The upcoming ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan carries significant weight, sandwiched between two critical milestones for the Proteas: the Champions Trophy in February-March and the World Test Championship (WTC) final in June. These matches will be South Africa's last chance to field their strongest lineup before the Champions Trophy, with key players also integral to their WTC final ambitions.
However, South Africa's resources are stretched thin. With fast bowlers Lungi Ngidi, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams sidelined by injuries, the team cannot afford any further setbacks. Despite their challenges, the Proteas will look to build on their recent 2-0 victory over Pakistan in the T20I series.
Pakistan, though, enters the ODI format with renewed confidence after staging impressive comebacks to claim ODI series wins in Australia and Zimbabwe over the past six weeks. Key players rested during the Zimbabwe tour—Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Naseem Shah—are back, signalling the visitors' intent. Their squad also boasts top performers from the Australia series, including Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique, the leading run-scorers, along with wicket-takers Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Naseem Shah. Given South Africa’s similar playing conditions, Pakistan’s squad is well-equipped to challenge the hosts.
Clashes between these two teams are often thrilling, showcasing fiery fast bowling against inventive and aggressive batting. While the upcoming tri-series in Pakistan (featuring South Africa and New Zealand) will see player availability impacted by SA20 commitments, this ODI series promises full-strength squads and high-stakes drama.
The matches will unfold on contrasting pitches: the slower tracks of Boland Park and Newlands followed by a faster surface at Wanderers. While rain is not expected in Paarl and Cape Town, Johannesburg’s forecast suggests a 56% chance of light showers on Sunday.
(h2) Team Updates
(h3) South Africa Temba Bavuma will sit out despite being in top batting form, while David Miller awaits clearance after a calf injury, with his participation looking likely.
(h3) Probable XI: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman
(h3) Pakistan Pakistan’s preparations are clouded by instability, with interim head coach Jason Gillespie resigning abruptly on Friday. Nevertheless, their lineup is bolstered by the return of key players.
(h3) Probable XI: Abdullah Shafique, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (c), Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Mohammad Wasim
Match Details
- Dates: December 17, 19, and 22, 2024
- Venues: Boland Park, Paarl; Newlands, Cape Town; Wanderers, Johannesburg
- Time: 2 PM Local Time (5:30 PM IST)
With both teams featuring high-calibre players and plenty at stake, this series promises to deliver captivating cricket and unpredictable moments. Fans won’t want to miss a single delivery.