Pakistan Set Sights on South Africa ODIs as Champions Trophy Looms
PAARL: Pakistan will shift focus to the 50-over format as they prepare to face South Africa in the opening match of the three-match ODI series at Boland Park on Tuesday. This series serves as a critical preparation phase for the ICC Champions Trophy, set to be hosted in Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
While Pakistan’s performances in T20 cricket have been concerning — suffering a 3-0 series loss to Australia and 2-0 defeat against South Africa — their success in ODIs has instilled renewed confidence. The 2-1 series win against Australia last month in their own backyard has positioned the team as a competitive one-day side, with momentum on their side as they look to fine-tune their combination ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Pakistan Bolstered with Key Returns
Pakistan’s squad sees the return of pacer Naseem Shah, who has recovered from injury, alongside Abdullah Shafique and middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam. Exciting young wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and batter Usman Khan have earned maiden ODI call-ups, adding further depth to the team.
For skipper Mohammad Rizwan, this will be his third ODI series at the helm, having led Pakistan to successive series wins against Australia and Zimbabwe. Rizwan emphasized the importance of the series as part of Pakistan’s roadmap to the Champions Trophy:
“This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy, and with Allah’s help, we will look to emulate our performances from the series against Australia,” Rizwan said.
He praised Saim Ayub, who has emerged as a key player with his aggressive style of play. The left-handed opener showcased his brilliance in the T20I series against South Africa, scoring a spectacular 98 off 57 balls* in the second match. Earlier, Ayub impressed with scores of 82 and 42 in the ODI series against Australia.
Rizwan also highlighted Pakistan’s strengths, particularly in the pace and spin departments, with in-form bowler Haris Rauf leading the charge after finishing as the top wicket-taker in the Australia series.
“Our batting, pace, and spin stocks are decent enough to challenge South Africa and win the series,” Rizwan added.
South Africa Adjusting Line-Up
The South African team, led by Temba Bavuma, will face challenges as they balance their squad for workload management. Bavuma will sit out the first ODI to remain fresh for the upcoming Test series, with Aiden Markram stepping in as captain for the opener.
The Proteas are also dealing with injuries, with Bavuma admitting that the absence of a few key players creates an opportunity for others:
“We’ll try to balance it out as best as we can,” Bavuma stated. “It’s important to manage workload while giving younger players a chance to perform.”
The ODIs against Pakistan will be South Africa’s last opportunity to field their strongest available squad before the Champions Trophy, making the series a crucial test for their preparations.
Series Background
The last time Pakistan and South Africa faced off in a bilateral ODI series was in April 2021, where Pakistan won the series 2-1 in South Africa. Now, with both teams eyeing the Champions Trophy, the stakes are higher, and the series will serve as a confidence booster ahead of the mega event.
Pakistan Squad
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wicket-keeper), 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, Usman Khan (wicket-keeper).
South Africa Squad
Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wicket-keeper), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottniel Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs.
The opening match promises to be an exciting battle as Pakistan look to maintain their ODI dominance, while South Africa aim to regroup and test their strengths in home conditions.
