Pakistan and South Africa are set to clash in the first One-Day International (ODI) of their three-match series today, December 17, 2024, at 5:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time (PST). The much-anticipated encounter will take place at Boland Bank Park, Paarl.
According to win probability estimates, South Africa holds a 62% chance of emerging victorious against Pakistan in this opening game. The Proteas recently clinched the T20I series 2-0, with the third match on December 14 being washed out due to rain. This ODI series is critical for both teams as they fine-tune their strategies for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, scheduled to be hosted by Pakistan in February and March 2025.
Pakistan’s squad has been strengthened by the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique, and middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam. Wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan have also earned their maiden ODI call-ups. Mohammad Rizwan, leading Pakistan in his third ODI series as captain, has previously guided the team to consecutive series wins against Australia and Zimbabwe.
In their last bilateral ODI series in April 2021, Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in South Africa. Speaking ahead of the match, Rizwan emphasized the importance of the series:
“This is a vital ODI series for our ICC Champions Trophy preparations. While the T20I series didn’t go as planned, I’m proud of individual performances, particularly Saim Ayub’s impressive batting. We have a balanced squad of experienced and young players ready to challenge South Africa and achieve positive results.”
South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, features a formidable lineup including Kagiso Rabada, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen. With home advantage, the Proteas aim to extend their winning momentum.
Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).
South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs.
Schedule:
• 17 Dec: 1st ODI at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5 PM PKT)
• 19 Dec: 2nd ODI at Newlands, Cape Town (5 PM PKT)
• 22 Dec: 3rd ODI at The Wanderers, Johannesburg (5 PM PKT)
• 26 Dec: 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1 PM PKT)
• 3 Jan: 2nd Test at Newlands, Cape Town (1 PM PKT)