Both teams have lost their share of one game, which is why this game is some sort of a virtual semi-final. Whoever wins this, plays New Zealand in the final on Saturday and also gets an extra game before the Champions Trophy begins next week. Luckily, for both South Africa and Pakistan, they played each other just a few weeks ago in the same format. But the visitors would not want to recall that. And rightly so, Pakistan handed them a one-for-the-ages whitewash in their backyard. The Proteas would not want anything resembling that series being repeated here.
In South Africa’s defense, it was something of a thrown-together team that faced Pakistan in that series. But this ODI will not be any different, with a handful of the visitors’ regular players not available to be selected. This could give Pakistan an edge over them but that can only be done if the hosts do a better job, with both the ball and the bat, than what they did against New Zealand.
Getting to the final will also be more important for Pakistan than South Africa and one of the reasons behind this is, that they are part of the same group in the Champions Trophy as New Zealand. In fact, the hosts will play their opening game of the tournament against the Kiwis, that too at the same venue. So, a chance to rehearse without many stakes is something Mohamamd Rizwan’s side would want to grab with both hands
Team Overview:
Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam opened in the first game of the tri-series and the former made no effort to hide his happiness at meeting his favorite opposition. Fakhar scored 84 runs, striking at 120 and Pakistan seemed to be the favourites as long as he was on the crease. His opening partner, Babar, though looked off right from the beginning. Pakistan have decided to punt by sending the right-hander batter in at the top positions instead of his usual number 3 spot. This did not pay off well, at least, in the first game. But the hosts are not spoilt for choices for the opening positions. With Saim Ayub injured and Abdullah Shafique out-of-form and squad, they have to use of a makeshift opener for the tournament. Saud Shakeel could also be another option to do the opening job along with Fakhar, but that would mean rejigging the lineup more.
Haris Rauf left the field with a side strain in the last game and will be rested for this game too, as a precaution. Mohammad Hasnain could come in for him to join Shaheed Afridi and Naseem Shah for pace duties.
Although many of their core players have still not reached Pakistan, South Africa will be boosted by the presence of Heinrich Klaasen, Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi, and Kwena Maphaka – all of whom have come to join the team after the conclusion of SA20. This means Temba Bavuma will not have to rely on his lesser-experienced players for such an important game.
Head-to-Head Record:
South Africa and Pakistan have played 86 ODI matches against each other, with South Africa winning 52 and Pakistan doing the same in 33 matches. One game ended without any result.
Weather and Pitch Report:
This will be the first game in the newly renovated National Stadium. Most of the ODI games here, ever since cricket returned to Pakistan, have been played ahead of major ODI tournaments only. The last one-dayer was played in May 2023, a few months before the ODI World Cup. The surface in Karachi is not exactly a belter but presents plenty of chances for strokemaking. Expect a high-scoring match once again. The toss-winning captain will look to bat second, given the venue’s historic inclination towards chasing sides.
Prediction:
Pakistan have plenty to gain with this victory, and so they will have to give their best to get it however they can.
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Ten Sports, A Sports, Myco App, Tamasha, Tapmad
South Africa: Super Sport
UK: ARY Digital
India: Sony Sports, Fancode App
Sri Lanka: Dialog
