Pakistan vs South Africa ODI Tips - Pakistan To Take Down Depleted South Africa

By Nikhil Kalro

11 Feb 2025

Nikhil Kalro 11 Feb 2025

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Pakistan vs South Africa in crucial ODI match in Karachi.
Both teams lost to New Zealand in previous matches.
Pakistan seeks redemption with potential squad changes.

Pakistan's Haris Rauf (Getty Images)

Pakistan vs South Africa ODI Preview
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News

Pakistan vs South Africa ODI Preview

Pakistan will face South Africa in the third match of the tri-series on Wednesday in Karachi. With both teams coming into this game on the back of a defeat in their previous match, this will be the final match for one of these teams with New Zealand having already made the final.

Both teams were beaten by a superior New Zealand team in their previous matches. First, it was Pakistan that bore the brunt of a disciplined New Zealand team in the series opener.

Pakistan conceded 330 for 6 in the first innings, which was led by Glenn Phillips’ 106 off just 74 balls. Shaheen Shah Afridi found some form with three wickets but he also conceded 88 runs in this quota of 10 overs. Legspinner Abrar Ahmed picked up two wickets.

In response, Pakistan were bowled out for 252. Only Fakhar Zaman managed to get some rhythm in his innings with 84 off 69 balls but no other batter was able to generate much in terms of momentum. Salman Agha scored 40 off 51 balls.

In stark response, South Africa were led by individual brilliance from their debutant Matthew Breetzke, who scored 150 off 148 balls to carry his team to 304 for 6. Wiaan Mulder chipped in with 64 off 60 balls.

However, South Africa were undone by a fantastic knock of 133 from Kane Wiliamson as New Zealand chased down the target with six wickets and 8 balls to spare.

Pakistan Form

Even though Pakistan were comfortably beaten in their previous match, they won’t be too disturbed or concerned by the nature of defeat.

There was plenty that Pakistan did well through the majority of that match but couldn’t create enough pressure in the end overs of either innings.

Pakistan Team News

Haris Rauf bowled 6.2 overs and did not bat in the first ODI. He could make way for another bowler for this match. Apart from that, Pakistan may consider giving some chances to the remainder of their squad.

South Africa Form

South Africa are playing with a new-look team that doesn’t involve several key players from their regular team. All things considered, South Africa will look at this series as tune-up for their main players and an opportunity for their younger players like Breetzke, who struck a terrific 150 on debut.

"I definitely think that first hour was the hardest batting conditions all day," Breetzke said at the press conference afterwards.

"The wicket was tacky and overhead conditions were tough with the new ball, with the bit of mist in the air. My mindset was just to get through those first ten with that new ball and kick on."

South Africa Team News

South Africa were barely able to field 11 players in the opening ODI. With two days since the last ODI, there may have been some more time to get Corbin Bosch, Tony de Zorzi and Kwena Maphaka ready for the second match.

Verdict

Pakistan v South Africa

South Africa will have more resources for the final match, which could be their last game before the Champions Trophy. However, Pakistan will be keen to get back to winning ways with their best XI.

On paper, Pakistan’s best team is far superior to South Africa’s, which will be evident when conditions get slower at various points of the match.