SA vs PAK: 1st ODI, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

Earlier this year, Pakistan got the better of South Africa in their home conditions. It’s now time for Babar Azam and Co to face the music as they prepare for the three-match ODI series on the Proteas’ soil. It’s pertinent to note that since their 89-run defeat to Virat Kohli’s India in the 2019 World Cup, Pakistan haven’t lost an ODI. In Centurion, they have beaten South Africa in two out of six ODIs.

Match Details

Match – South Africa vs Pakistan – 1st ODI

Venue – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Time – 1:30 PM IST, 10:00 AM Local

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network, Hotstar

Pitch Report

The pitch in Centurion has been fairly decent for batting over the years. Both teams have strong batting units and a high-scoring game can be expected. Also, the chasing teams have found it more comfortable at the venue. The sun will be out with a temperature around 25 degrees Celsius.

Avg score: 261 (54 ODIs at the SuperSport Park)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 30, Lost – 22, NR – 2

Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa

Quinton de Kock (WK), Aiden Markram/Janneman Malan, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van Der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Beuran Hendricks/Keshav Maharaj

Bench: Beuran Hendricks/Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram/Janneman Malan, JJ Smuts, Sisanda Magala, Wiaan Mulder, Lizaad Williams, Kyle Verreynne, Lungi Ngidi, Daryn Duppavillon, Lutho Sipamla,

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Haider Ali, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Haris Rauf

Bench: Abdullah Shafique, Usman Qadir, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Hasan Ali

Head-to-Head

Played – 79 | South Africa – 50 | Pakistan – 28 |N/R – 1

Probable best batsman of the match

Babar Azam- Pakistan

When it comes to consistency, there are very few batters, who could match the levels of Babar Azam. The Lahore-born didn’t have the greatest of series against the Proteas last time, but keeping in mind his skills, he’s expected to come good. In seven ODIs versus the African nation, the youngster has scored 295 runs at an average of 59 with two fifties to his name. He is expected to bat number three.

Probable best bowler of the match

Kagiso Rabada – South Africa

It goes without saying, Kagiso Rabada can breathe fire on his day. He has the potential to rip through the best of bowling attacks. He has been in impressive form of late as he picked up a five-wicket haul for the Lions, though in a first-class match. At the SuperSport Park, Kagiso has nine wickets to his name from seven games. The speedster would be expected to deliver, both at the start and death.

Today’s match prediction: South Africa to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.