South Africa are set to face Pakistan in the first ODI of their three-match series on December 17, 2024, at Boland Park in Paarl. After a successful T20I series where South Africa claimed a 2-0 victory, the Proteas are looking to maintain their momentum in the 50-over format.
Top class dough Temba Bavuma is 100 per cent fit and will return to lead the Proteas team in ODIs after guiding them to victory in the two-match Test series against Sri Lanka.
The upcoming leg holds significant importance for both South Africa and Pakistan with the Champions Trophy 2025 is approaching It offers an excellent opportunity for both sides to fine-tune their preparations for the marquee tournament. With both teams almost at full strength, this promises to be an electric match.
Format switch in full swing!👊
Our Proteas are getting stuck into their preparations ahead of the 1st of 3 ODIs against Pakistan tomorrow in Paarl.🇿🇦🏏☀️
🎟️Get your tickets NOW at https://t.co/qMKjaITNM1#Come with me #BePartOfIt #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/rEvyijuBKa
— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) December 16, 2024
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SA vs PAK, 1st ODI: Predicted to play in the XI for South Africa
The South African team management is working to improve their squad and the predicted XI for the first ODI includes a mix of experience and young talent:
- Purchase agreements (c) – The captain will lead from the front, aiming to lay a solid foundation for the innings.
- Riza Hendricks – Leaving a sensational century in the second match of the T20I series against Pakistan, Hendricks will be crucial at the top of the order.
- Rassie van der Dussen – Known for his consistency, van der Dussen will be looking to create partnerships and stabilize innings.
- Aiden Markram – Dynamic batting that can accelerate the score, Markram’s role will be crucial in the middle overs.
- David Miller – With his explosive abilities, Miller is expected to provide fireworks towards the end of the innings.
- Heinrich Klaassen (week) – The wicketkeeper-batters have been in good form and will be crucial for both scoring and keeping wickets.
- Marco Jansen – An all-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball, Jansen adds depth to the lineup.
- Kagiso Rabada – Returning to ODIs after a break, Rabada’s pace and experience will be vital in leading the bowling attack.
- Tabriz Shamsi – The left-arm wrist-spinner will aim to exploit any spin on offer and pick up crucial wickets in the middle overs.
- Andile Phelukwayo – Another all-rounder who can chip in with valuable runs and provide variety to the bowling attack.
- You are the cats – The 18-year-old pacer, fresh from his domestic success, is expected to make his ODI debut after impressing in the T20Is.
ALSO READ – SA vs PAK 2024: Pakistan XI to play for 1st ODI vs South Africa – Predicted
