Pakistan eyes hat-trick of ODI series victories

After a thrilling victory in the first ODI, Pakistan will aim to secure its third consecutive ODI series win when it faces South Africa in the second match at Newlands, Cape Town, on Thursday.

Under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy, Pakistan has shown promise in their recent ODI outings. The visitors secured a historic series win in Australia after 22 years and followed it up with a 2-1 victory in Zimbabwe.

Unlike those series, where they lost the opening game, Pakistan has started strong this time, winning the first ODI by three wickets in a closely contested match in Paarl.

The star of the opening game was young opener Saim Ayub, who scored a classy 109 off 119 balls, which laid the foundation for Pakistan’s successful chase of 240.

Pakistan's Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha in action during the first ODI against South Africa in Paarl.AFP

The 22-year-old showcased his immense potential, forming a match-defining 141-run partnership with Salman Ali Agha, who contributed unbeaten 82 runs and chipped in with four crucial wickets earlier in the day.

Conditions at Newlands

Cape Town's Newlands is known for its pace-friendly conditions, contrasting with the spin-assisting track in Paarl. The venue last hosted an international match earlier this year—a Test between India and South Africa—which ended in two days, with all wickets falling to pacers. This shift in conditions could play a pivotal role in team strategies for the second ODI.

Pakistan likely to stick with same XI

With the pitch likely to favor pacers, Pakistan is expected to stick with their three-pronged pace attack of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah. Abrar Ahmed, who bowled economically in the first ODI, will continue as the sole specialist spinner, while part-timers Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub can provide additional options.

The only possible change in the batting lineup could be Tayyab Tahir replacing Mohammad Irfan Khan Niazi, who has yet to make a significant impact in his ODI career. Tahir, who scored a composed 29* in his last ODI appearance, could add stability to the middle order.

This might be Pakistan's final ODI before finalizing their Champions Trophy squad, as rain in Johannesburg on Sunday is expected to disrupt play in the third ODI.

South Africa’s challenges

South Africa’s batting lineup faltered against Pakistan’s spinners in the first ODI, losing key wickets in quick succession after a strong start.

Captain Heinrich Klaasen dismissed concerns over their ability to handle spin, pointing to their improved record in recent years. However, they will need a stronger performance to avoid losing the series.

Experienced batter David Miller could replace Tristan Stubbs, who managed just one run in the first game, to bolster the middle order.

South Africa's Kagiso Rabada in his first ODI of 2024.AFP

In the bowling department, South Africa may consider rotating their pace attack, with Kwena Maphaka potentially coming in for either Kagiso Rabada or Marco Jansen as part of workload management ahead of the two-match Test series against Pakistan.

What’s at stake?

For Pakistan, a win would seal the series and provide confidence ahead of squad selection for the Champions Trophy. For South Africa, it’s a must-win game to keep their hopes alive in the series and regain momentum.