South Africa vs Pakistan 1st ODI Match Commentary: Pakistan tour of South Africa, 2024-25

14 Dec, 5.16pm  The cricket action shifts to the 50-over format as Pakistan's tour of South Africa continues, following an exciting T20I series where South Africa emerged victorious. The opening ODI is set to take place at the historic Boland Park in Paarl. With the Champions Trophy approaching, South Africa has assembled a formidable squad led by the in-form Temba Bavuma, strengthened by the inclusion of power hitters David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen. Fresh off his impressive performance in the T20I series, Ryan Rickelton is expected to open alongside Temba Bavuma, with Tony Zorzi providing an alternative option at the top. The Proteas boast a robust middle order featuring the experienced Rassie van der Dussen, alongside the dynamic Tristan Stubbs, David Miller, and Heinrich Klaasen. Meanwhile, Aiden Markram will be keen to rediscover his form, having struggled to make significant contributions in recent outings. However, South Africa's pace bowling department faces significant challenges, with several key players sidelined due to injuries - Anrich Nortje, Gerald Coetzee, Wiaan Mulder, and Lungi Ngidi all unavailable. This has opened the door for 18-year-old sensation Kwena Maphaka, who recently topped the wicket-taking charts at the U-19 World Cup. The young pacer will share new-ball responsibilities with seasoned campaigner Kagiso Rabada, while Ottneil Baartman provides an additional fast-bowling option as the Proteas look to manage their depleted pace resources. Pace-bowling all-rounders like Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen and spinners Keshav Maharaj along side Tabraiz Shamsi, round up South Africa’s squad. Following their underwhelming performance in the T20I series, Pakistan seeks redemption as they transition to the ODI format. Under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, the team appears formidable on paper, despite their recent struggles. Pakistan's batting lineup features an intriguing blend of youth and experience at the top, with emerging talent Saim Ayub partnering the technically sound Abdullah Shafique as openers. The middle order carries significant firepower with the proven duo of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, complemented by the inclusion of Usman Khan. Salman Ali Agha adds versatility to the squad, offering both batting depth and valuable spin-bowling options. Pakistan's trademark strength lies in their pace attack, where the formidable trio of Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi stands ready to challenge the South African batters. This potent fast-bowling combination will be eager to make their mark in the ODI series and especially on pace-friendly South African pitches. Spin duties will be heavily rely on the likes of Abrar Ahmed while they have Sufiyan Muqeem as another emerging talent in this facet. The most recent ODI encounter between these sides took place during the 2023 ICC Cricket World Cup in Chennai, where South Africa clinched a nail-biting victory. This series marks Pakistan's first ODI visit to South African shores since 2021 when they successfully secured a series win. That previous triumph on South African soil should serve as a confidence booster for the visiting Pakistani squad as they aim to replicate their past success in these conditions. The historic Boland Park in Paarl is set to host these two cricket powerhouses after a gap of more than two decades. The venue's statistics paint an interesting picture as teams batting first have averaged in excess of 350 runs, suggesting a high-scoring surface. South Africa's impressive record at this ground, having won four out of their last five ODIs here, adds another dimension to their home advantage. With all said, it is time for the games to begin. Which team do you think will emerge victorious in the series opener?