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South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd ODI Tips - Hosts to strike most sixes the best bet

By Nikhil Kalro

20 Dec 2024

Nikhil Kalro 20 Dec 2024

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Pakistan wins 3rd ODI by 81 runs to take the series against South Africa
Key contributions from Rizwan, Babar, and Ghulam boost Pakistan's total to 329
Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah shine with the ball; South Africa falters despite Heinrich Klaasen’s 97

South Africa and Pakistan (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd ODI Preview
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd ODI Preview

Pakistan put in yet another clinical performance right from the outset as they beat South Africa by 81 runs to complete a terrific ODI series win on the road.

The game was set up by Pakistan’s batters, who combined to score 329, a score that was far too much for the hosts despite good batting conditions in Cape Town.

Mohammad Rizwan scored a rapid 80 off 82 balls, with seven fours and three sixes, and he was given able support by Babar Azam, who managed 73 off 95 balls, with seven fours.

But it was Kamran Ghulam’s knock of 63 off just 32 balls, with four fours and five sixes, that completed the turnaround after a slow start to the innings. Kwena Maphaka picked up four wickets on his ODI debut while Marco Jansen chipped in with three wickets.

In response, South Africa made a sprightly start but went from 74 for 1 in the 12th over to 205 for 7 as Pakistan chipped away at a strong middle order. Eventually, Heinrich Klaasen’s knock of 97 off just 64 balls was futile as the hosts crumbled to 248 all out.

Shaheen Afridi was the pick of the bowlers with figures of 4 for 47 while Naseem Shah managed 3 for 37. Abrar Ahmed also chipped in with a couple of wickets.

South Africa Form

South Africa have plenty of batting headaches as they head into Christmas. The selectors picked a strong team for this series with a look ahead to next year’s Champions Trophy but their batters have just not found any momentum, apart from Klaasen.

With Bavuma back, South Africa will be eager to shore up that batting in the final ODI of the year in Johannesburg, a venue that the batters have traditionally enjoyed.

The bowling stocks have been depleted with several injuries but the final ODI will be another chance to test the depth of the spin-bowling department as another ICC tournament approaches.

South Africa Team News

Kagiso Rabada was rested for the second ODI but could return for the final match. Tristan Stubbs may also get a game.

Pakistan Form

There aren’t so many concerns in that Pakistan camp after a resounding victory away from home.

Even in bouncy conditions, Pakistan’s batters took their time and then picked up the pace towards the end with wickets in hand.

Pakistan will be particularly pleased with the form of their middle order with Salman Agha and Kamran Ghulam both having hit fifties in this series already.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan are unlikely to make too many changes. There could be place for Sufiyan Muqeem ahead of Abrar Ahmed.

Verdict

South Africa v Pakistan - 3rd ODI

Johannesburg is a quick-scoring ground with the thin air and small ground. South Africa will also be keen to come back with a consolation win in the final ODI.

If you combine both those possibilities, you could get good odds for a South Africa win and the hosts to hit more sixes.

South Africa

Most Sixes

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South Africa Win

Match Result

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