After three T20s between the Proteas and Pakistan, the teams are now facing off in a one-day international (ODI) series also spanning three games, which Pakistan lead 1-0.
Pakistan got off to a winning start against South Africa in their ODI series in the first match at Boland Park on 17 December. The teams will now face off at Newlands on 19 December and the last match of the series will take place at the Wanderers on 22 December.
South Africa (1.65) won their T20 series against Pakistan (2.25) 2-0 but they were always likely to find it tougher over 50 overs even on home soil.
The ODI format is, however, one in which the Proteas have struggled recently. They suffered three-match series defeats to India and Afghanistan before beating Ireland 2-1.
Proteas’ Struggle for Consistency
South Africa’s recent struggles have exposed their lack of depth in the 50-over format. The absence of key players such as Quinton de Kock, who is currently not availing himself of international selection, has come back to bite them.
The Proteas have done fairly well at World Cups recently but in series, their lack of consistency has been evident. White ball head coach Rob Walter has drawn criticism for his inability to gain control of South Africa’s wayward run from the likes of Herschelle Gibbs and Johan van der Wath.
Pakistan’s Form Better Than South Africa’s
Pakistan have recently been on a stronger run. They have won their last four ODI series against New Zealand, Afghanistan, Australia and Zimbabwe. Whatever their struggles in the T20 game, they have the ability to take the fight to the Proteas.
Aqib Javed is the current Pakistan interim white ball head coach following the departure of former Proteas batsman Gary Kirsten. Despite their struggles for stability in the coaching department, Pakistan certainly have had enough input from South Africans over the years to understand the opponents they will be visiting.
Former Proteas coach Mickey Arthur led Pakistan to the ICC Champions Trophy in 2017. That was a superb time in Pakistan cricket as far as limited overs went and Arthur’s blueprint remains evident in the team’s success today.
This will likely be a close contest with wins going either way. While the temptation for online sports betting enthusiasts may be to back the hosts, Pakistan is not a team to be ruled out.
