ISLAMABAD: Pakistan and South Africa will face off in a highly anticipated three-match ODI series starting today, December 17, at Boland Park in Paarl. The series comes just days after South Africa claimed victory in the T20I series, winning 2-0, with the third match abandoned due to rain.
The ODI series holds strategic importance for both teams as they gear up for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to take place in Pakistan in February and March 2025. Pakistan will also meet South Africa later this month for a Test series.
“This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy,” said Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s ODI captain, in a statement shared by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). “We didn’t achieve the desired results in the T20I series, but I’m encouraged by some standout performances, particularly Saim Ayub’s exceptional batting. With the strength in our batting, pace, and spin departments, we aim to win this series with Allah’s help.”
Rizwan also expressed confidence in the team’s mix of experienced and young players, emphasizing their potential as a formidable ODI side heading into future tournaments, including the upcoming home tri-nation series.
Pakistan Squad Updates
The Pakistan ODI squad sees the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique, and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam. Wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan have earned their maiden ODI call-ups.
Rizwan will lead the team for the third time as ODI skipper, having previously secured series wins against Australia and Zimbabwe.
In their last ODI series encounter in April 2021, Pakistan defeated South Africa 2-1 in South Africa.
Squads
Pakistan ODI Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir, and Usman Khan (wk).
South Africa ODI Squad:
Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs.
Match Schedule
ODI Series:
- December 17: 1st ODI at Boland Park, Paarl (5 PM PKT)
- December 19: 2nd ODI at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5 PM PKT)
- December 22: 3rd ODI at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5 PM PKT)
Test Series:
- December 26: 1st Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion (1 PM PKT)
- January 3: 2nd Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (1 PM PKT)
With both teams keen to assert dominance in the lead-up to major tournaments, the series promises an exciting contest. Fans eagerly await to see whether Pakistan can bounce back after the T20I loss or if South Africa will continue their winning streak.
