By Abdul Shakoor: @abdulshakoorcric. A horrendous Asia Cup, a drawn ODI series against New Zealand, and the only comfortable wins coming against Zimbabwe last year tells you the story of Pakistan’s ODI woes.
In contrast to their T20 heroics, Pakistan need a confidence boost in ODIs ahead of the World Cup to go to England prepared, having some wins under their belt.
It surely is a test for Pakistan, not only to regain the fans who are frustrated from the Test series but to make a good statement and redeem themselves in the form of good competition they have to put forward.
On the other hand, South Africa are coming from a good tour of Australia with a 2-1 victory in the ODIs. They have good openers, a solid middle order, fancy finishers, raw pace and some legspin of high quality. They won’t go even a little bit down with ease.
Though Quinton de Kock and Dale Steyn won’t be available for the first two ODIs, they will still benefit from the likes of Aiden Markram and Duanne Olivier.
Aiden Markram and Hashim Amla will be the important batsman for South Africa if they emulate their Test performance in the ODIs. The middle order will be balanced by Faf du Plessis who is an excellent player in the middle overs alonside the doppelganger of Martin Guptil, Henrich Klassen who showed some glimpses of his talent in the recent past. David Miller will also be key, especially given his fine record at St George’s Park.
Pace attack will be good enough and they will aim to not miss Dale Steyn (except Babar Azam) too much. Phehlukwayo has been a wicket-taking bowler in the middle overs and can pick wickets in uncanny fashion. Spin department will be strengthened when Imran Tahir will go from Port Elizabeth to Pakistan on his celebratory run.
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st ODI Preview Dream11: Faf du Plessis has called Pakistan the better ODI side
Key to a Pakistan win:
Pakistan will find it easy if Fakhar Zaman play nothing like the Tests and goes back to his old avatar.
“We expect Fakhar to play his natural game”, Sarfraz said recently.
Surely, Pakistan will find it very comforting if he gets Pakistan to a respectable score. He will be the key for Pakistan, along with either Imam ul Haq or Shan Masood, in setting a platform for Pakistan.
Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik, the experienced campaigners, have to carry on the innings in the middle as fireworks of Asif Ali won’t be available as he has been dropped. Similarly Sarfraz has to do more to justify his captaincy alonside Babar Azam on whom the eyes of fans will be stuck.
Also, Pakistan’s bowling attack have to show their overseas capabilities and Hasan Ali has to step up. Pakistan think tank is currently in the dilemma of going for a batting all-rounder, Hussain Talat, or the bowling all-rounder (according to Mickey Arthur), Faheem Ashraf. Shaheen has been an excellent pick for Pakistan and will be one to keep an eye for.
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st ODI Preview Dream11: It has been a tough time for Sarfraz Ahmed
Possible Playing 11
Rassie van der Dussen is in line to make his ODI debut with Quinton de Kock rested. The same applies to Duanne Olivier with Dale Steyn rested.
South Africa Possible Playing 11: 1. Hashim Amla, 2. Aiden Markram, 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Dwaine Pretorius, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Duanne Olivier, 11. Imran Tahir
Shan Masood is in line to make his ODI debut for Pakistan, and open with Fakhar Zaman.
Pakistan Possible Playing 11: 1. Shan Masood, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Faheem Ashraf/Usman Khan Shinwari, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and facts:
Interestingly enough, Pakistan has scored the highest ODI total at Port Elizabeth – 335.
Pakistan have never lost an ODI to South Africa at Port Elizabeth (two wins, one game rained off).
David Miller averages 113.50 from four innings at St George’s Park.
Match Prediction
Expecting this to be a lot more closely fought than the Tests.
However, South Africa are on a good run at the moment, compared to Pakistan who are struggling against higher ranked sides. South Africa to win.
Charbel is the owner & founder of cricblog.net, based in Sydney, Australia. He started the website to fulfill his love for the game of cricket.
Charbel has been featured on other publications including OP India, Times of India, and The Roar, among others. He is also a keen fantasy sports player.
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