Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11

Just like that, the series is on the line in the annual Pink ODI event in Johannesburg.

Rain went South Africa’s way in Centurion, and arrive in Johannesburg with a perfect 100% record in Pink ODIs. That their top four set up a brilliant platform in a challenging run chase is cause for encouragement, and have another opportunity to build on it today. Their bowling and fielding needs to improve, though, and with a World Cup fast approaching, the time is now to focus on becoming as best-drilled as possible and settle on a style of play.

Pakistan also had their moments in Centurion, even though their bowling lacked the penetration it had in Durban. Apart from the Durban clash, where they took five relatively early wickets, Pakistan have taken just four wickets in the remaining 83 overs, which includes a run out. Onus is on the bowlers to deliver early wickets, as well as on the batsmen to build on their Centurion effort. With the Johannesburg pitch expected to be hard and flat, an opportunity for runs awaits.

Also read: Funny take on Australia vs Sri Lanka! 1st Test Player Ratings.

Key to a South Africa win

South Africa have had a number of amazing moments in Pink ODIs, with AB de Villiers lighting up the Wanderers on numerous occasions. However, with AB retired, South Africa need to continue putting together cohesive batting displays, after a fantastic effort in Centurion by the top order after an outing in Durban they’d rather forget. Afternoon rain can be expected in this clash, so a good start becomes even more crucial to compete in the D/L scenario. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock will be key again in nullifying Pakistan’s seamers, and with Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen all showing some good form this series, South Africa will be looking to build strong starts as a habit leading into the World Cup.

Also, Kagiso Rabada hasn’t quite been at his best this series, but possesses a fine record at Johannesburg. Will he bounce the Pakistanis out? Can Beuran Hendricks continue on from his promising debut in Centurion? What about the impact of the wrist spinner and pace bowling all rounder? South Africa need a more polished bowling effort than on show in the last ODI, where they also dropped a number of chances. If they are on song today, they might just have too much for Pakistan.

Key to a Pakistan win

Imam-ul-Haq has been impressive this series, notching up a fine century in the last match. However, a problem for Pakistan is that they have been one down early in all matches, with Fakhar Zaman struggling. Whether Zaman gets another chance or Shan Masood is drafted in, Pakistan need a strong start, as Babar Azam and Mohammad Hafeez are in good enough form to capitalise. With Shoaib Malik, Shadab Khan, Sarfraz Ahmed and Imad Wasim all capable of getting a move on, the Pakistanis need a strong platform, otherwise the series could be as good as gone.

Also, as mentioned, Pakistan’s bowlers have been a little short of wickets this series. They are yet to take a full innings’ wickets in three matches to date, and need to make inroads into South Africa’s top order to further test a middle order that has been a little short of time at the crease so far this series. Shaheen Shah Afridi has the ability to take wickets at the top, as he did in Durban, and needs to be backed up a little better by the likes of Shadab Khan and Mohammad Amir, who weren’t at their best in the last game. Can the Pakistanis get the better of South Africa’s top order and build from there?

Possible Playing 11:

Imran Tahir could come in from Tabraiz Shamsi, who was disappointing at Centurion. Andile Phehlukwayo, after a fine outing in Durban, should get another run after a disappointing outing in the third ODI.

South Africa Possible Playing 11: 1. Quinton de Kock (wk), 2. Hashim Amla, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. Rassie van der Dussen, 6. David Miller, 7. Andile Phehlukwayo, 8. Kagiso Rabada, 9. Dale Steyn, 10. Beuran Hendricks, 11. Imran Tahir

Will Pakistan persist with Fakhar Zaman? He continues to struggle since his huge series against Zimbabwe last year. Shan Masood could come in. Sarfraz Ahmed is still awaiting the ICC’s verdict, so he is set to play. Also, Imad Wasim’s strong lower order batting will be hard to ignore.

Pakistan Possible Playing 11: 1. Imam-ul-Haq, 2. Fakhar Zaman/Shan Masood, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Imad Wasim, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Shaheen Shah Afridi

Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

• South Africa have played six Pink ODIs, winning all of them.
• Pakistan were South Africa’s first ever opponents in the Pink ODI in 2013.
• Imam-ul-Haq became the second fastest player to 1,000 ODI runs, behind teammate Fakhar Zaman.

Match Prediction

Hopefully the rain stays away for this one, as it promises to be an exciting clash.

However, at a ground and in a game where South Africa have a fine record, I back them to win and take the series.

Thanks for reading!

South Africa vs Pakistan 4th ODI Preview Dream11