South Africa vs Pakistan, 5th ODI, Match Prediction – Weather Report, Pitch Conditions, Playing XIs and Live Streaming Details

Imam-ul-Haq is the highest run-getter of the series so far.

Published - 29 Jan 2019, 18:14 IST | Updated - 29 Jan 2019, 18:14 IST

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South Africa and Pakistan will lock horns for one final time in the ongoing five-match ODI series at the Newlands in Cape Town. The home side has its own issues to deal with in this format and with the skipper, Faf du Plessis admitting that some of the players are tired, the problems in the camp are highlighted even more. Pakistan though weren’t affected even a bit with their captain Sarfaraz Ahmed’s four-match ban.

They put their best foot forward to become the first team to beat South Africa in Pink ODI. Shoaib Malik led the team well and his massive experience of 278 ODIs helped him in the middle it seemed. There is not much room for mistakes in the decider now and he will hope to make it 3-2 in the series.

The Proteas, on the other hand, have unresolved batting issues. Quinton de Kock hasn’t been at his best in the last two games while Hashim Amla has blown hot and cold. Surprisingly, even Kagiso Rabada has struggled and the workload on him is clearly visible now. They will have to play their best cricket to avoid second straight ODI series loss to an Asian team in the last 12 months at home.

Pitch and Conditions

Though the records at the venue are in favour of the team batting first, the trend in this series suggests something different. Chasing has been preferred so far and it might continue on Wednesday as well. The temperatures will hover in the early 20s throughout the day and the wind blowing might help the seamers a bit.

Also Read: SA v PAK 5th ODI Preview

Team Combinations

South Africa

South Africa might opt to leave out Hashim Amla for Aiden Markram who is fresh to partner with Quinton de Kock at the top of the order. Rassie van der Dussen might bat at three or four after his failure down the order. Reeza Hendricks is also in good form while Faf du Plessis and David Miller will follow him. Wiaan Mulder might get a game having been added to the squad 24 hours before the game.

The bowling attack is unlikely to change for the Proteas who have done a good job so far. Kagiso Rabada might get a new ball to pick early wickets while Beuran Hendricks should be the first change bowler.

Probable XI: Aiden Markram, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo/Wiaan Mulder, Dale Steyn, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Beuran Hendricks.

Pakistan

Pakistan have no reason to change their winning combination. Imam-ul-Haq has been in great form and is backed up well by Babar Azam. Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik are the veterans in this format while the bowling attack also looks perfect. Though Hasan Ali’s inclusion for Mohammad Amir couldn’t be denied just to bring the variety to the pace battery.

Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan.