Pakistan and South Africa are set to begin their three-match ODI series tomorrow at Boland Park, Paarl, at 5 pm PKT. Subsequent games will occur at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, on December 17 and 19, respectively.
South Africa clinched the preceding T20I series 2-0, with the final match washed out on December 14. This ODI series is crucial as both teams refine their strategies for the ICC Champions Trophy in Pakistan in February and March 2025.
Pakistan welcomes pacer Naseem Shah, opener Abdullah Shafique, and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam. Wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have earned their first ODI call-ups. Mohammad Rizwan leads the team, securing ODI series victories over Australia and Zimbabwe as captain.
Reflecting on the T20I series, Rizwan expressed satisfaction with the team’s performances, particularly praising Saim Ayub’s batting. He emphasized the squad’s readiness, highlighting the blend of youth and experience as strengths heading into this series and future competitions, including a home tri-nation series and the ICC Champions Trophy.
Match Schedule:
- December 17: 1st ODI at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)
- December 19: 2nd ODI at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5 pm PKT)
- December 22: 3rd ODI at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5 pm PKT)
In related news, former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has called for reconciliation between Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board. Citing “ego clashes” within the team management, Akhtar stressed the importance of resolving these issues for the betterment of Pakistan cricket.
