South Africa vs Pakistan Preview: Team News & Prediction | 1st One-Day International
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After a one-sided T20i series, South Africa and Pakistan get side for ODI action as the pair ramp up preparations for next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.
Date/Time: Tuesday December 17th 2024: US PST – 4:00am / US EST – 7:00am / UK – 12:00pm
Venue: Boland Park, Paarl, South Africa
Weather: Cloudy, but dry with patches of sunshine and hot conditions
How To Watch On TV: UK – Sky Sports / US – Willow TV
How To Watch Online: UK – Sky Go / US – Willow TV
South Africa Form: Bavuma captains strong home squad
South Africa fans have every reason to be confident about their side’s chances heading into this ODI series. Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada returns to the squad, as does batters Tristan Stubbs and Aiden Markram. However, another pace bowler in Anrich Nortje won’t feature across the series due to injury.
LAST THREE: LWW
Pakistan Form: Change of fortunes through change of format
Pakistan were outplayed in the 20-over fixtures and that was reflected in their 2-0 defeat. But it’s the ODI series which is more important from their perspective, when taking into account the home ICC Champions Trophy coming up fairly soon. Haris Rauf and Shaheen Shah Afridi will partner up with the ball, but lots of pressure is on the batters to perform here.
LAST THREE: WWL
South Africa Betting Analysis
Pace bowling will likely be critical for both nations over the course of this first ODI. Rabada coming back into the white ball fold for the Proteas serves as a huge boost to them when taking into account his unrelenting speed and impressive accuracy. Rabada should be afforded plenty of joy here with a good performance and is well worth backing to pick up over 1.5 match wickets.
Pakistan Betting Analysis
When it comes to Pakistan, bettors should also zone in on their quick bowling attack. Both Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf offer substantial wicket-taking threats not to mention points of difference with Shaheen being a left-arm pacer and Rauf a right-arm speedster. Instead to picking just one, a small stake on both players to be named as Pakistan’s top bowler in this first ODI may prove a smart play.
South Africa vs Pakistan Expert Prediction
The Proteas were by far the better team across the T20i and it would be no surprise to see a repeat of that in this three-game ODI set. Momentum remains in their favour and Pakistan have struggled in all departments in South Africa so far. With more key players back for the home side, expect them to open up this series with a win.
South Africa vs Pakistan Tip: South Africa to win
