South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Tips – Hosts to come back in pacy Cape Town

By Nikhil Kalro

18 Dec 2024

Nikhil Kalro 18 Dec 2024

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Pakistan won the first ODI with standout performances from Agha and Ayub
South Africa hopes for improved form with Bavuma likely returning and Miller's fitness in question
Cape Town's conditions favor pace, which may benefit South Africa versus Pakistan's spin advantage

South Africa and Pakistan (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Tips
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Tips

Pakistan completed an excellent comeback win in the opening ODI in Paarl as they chased down a tricky total of 240 from a tricky score of 60 for 4. That win was led by stellar performances from Salman Agha and Saim Ayub.

Pakistan managed to restrict South Africa to 239 for 9, led by Agha’s 4 for 32. Abrar Ahmed and Ayub combined for three wickets as Pakistan’s spinners strangled South Africa in the middle overs.

Eventually, some reverse swing towards the end overs helped Pakistan keep South Africa to an average total.

South Africa came biting back with the middle order to have Pakistan on the mat at 60 for 4 but Ayub completed a terrific century as he finished with 109 off 119 balls with 10 fours and three sixes. Agha carried Pakistan over the line with 82 off 90 balls.

South Africa Form

South Africa’s top order collapsed under the pressure of accurate spin bowling, which will concern them a touch. However, the hosts will likely have Temba Bavuma back for the second ODI, which should bolster a strong batting order.

"Not everyone that we'd normally call upon is around because of injuries," Bavuma said. "We've got bowlers within the squad so we'd like to be in a position where we can give guys those opportunities, rest certain guys and give other guys opportunities. We'll try to balance it out as best as we can."

South Africa Team News

South Africa will continue to wait on the fitness of David Miller, who is nursing a calf injury. If he remains unfit, then Bavuma should slot right in for Ryan Rickelton, who opened the batting in the opening ODI.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan will be confident after a terrific win in the first ODI. However, it must be noted that those conditions were favourable to spin bowling and reverse swing, two of Pakistan’s strengths.

Batting conditions should be completely different in Cape Town, where pace and bounce will have more of an impact on the match. Yet, with some momentum and confidence, Pakistan could put in yet another surprising performance to complete the ODI series win.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan may not tinker too much with a winning combination unless there are injuries or niggles with their bowling attack.

Verdict

South Africa v Pakistan - 2nd ODI

South Africa will be glad to move venues from the slower surface of Paarl to the pacy Cape Town pitch.

With more bounce and pace, South Africa’s seamers may find a lot more purchase than they did in Paarl.

Pakistan have been predictably unpredictable in international cricket over the last few years but on paper, you would expect South Africa to be just a bit stronger in these conditions.

South Africa Win

Match Result

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