Pakistan, SA gear up for ODI series in Faisalabad

After clinching the three-match T20I series 2–1, Pakistan will be eager to carry their winning momentum into the ODI format when they take on South Africa in the opening match of the three-match series at the Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad on Tuesday (tomorrow).

The day-night encounter will begin at 3pm, marking a historic return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years. The iconic venue last hosted an ODI on April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets.

While South Africa holds the upper hand overall, winning 52 out of 87 ODIs played between the two sides, Pakistan will take confidence from their recent record, having won their last four matches against the Proteas. Notably the Green-shirts registered a 3–0 series sweep over South Africa in December last year under Mohammad Rizwan’s captaincy.

This time leadership duties rest on the shoulders of Shaheen Shah Afridi, who recently replaced Rizwan as ODI captain despite Pakistan’s impressive away victories against Australia and South Africa.

Pakistan’s batting will rely heavily on the experience of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman and Agha Salman.

Babar Azam appears to have rediscovered his touch, having struck a fluent 47-ball 68 in the decisive T20I in Lahore that sealed the series for Pakistan. Saim Ayub, too, seems to have regained form after a lean patch in the West Indies. His 71-run knock in the second T20I against South Africa was a promising sign. Saim first made headlines during Pakistan’s 3–0 sweep in South Africa last year, scoring two centuries in three games.

For Mohammad Rizwan the series presents an opportunity to reaffirm his value as a premier wicketkeeper-batsman following his removal from captaincy.

Fakhar Zaman, returning after missing the ODI series against West Indies due to hamstring in August is expected to bolster Pakistan’s top order. Meanwhile Agha Salman will aim to find form after scoring only 82 runs in his last five ODIs.

Agha was also short of runs in recent T20 series and before that in the Asia Cup in the UAE.

In the bowling department Shaheen Afridi will lead a potent pace attack comprising Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf and Mohammad Wasim Jr. All-rounders Faheem Ashraf and Hussain Talat add depth while the spin options include Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram and Mohammad Nawaz with Abrar and Nawaz likely to feature in the playing XI.

The Proteas, led by Matthew Breetzke, will field a balanced squad featuring stalwarts like Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi and explosive Dewald Brevis. Donovan Ferreira, who captained the T20 side, also makes the ODI squad.

Uncapped batsman Sinethemba Qeshile could make his debut while the pace department will be spearheaded by Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger Corbin Bosch and Ottneil Baartman. Their spin contingent includes Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, and rookie leg-spinner Nqaba Peter.

“It’s an honor for me to lead Pakistan,” said Shaheen Afridi at the pre-series press conference. “We are hopeful of delivering strong performances against one of the most consistent sides in world cricket. The players are in great shape after a solid T20 series. Cricket is a team game, decisions are made collectively with the management and coaches,” he said.

Commenting on the batting unit Shaheen added: “Babar’s last innings will surely boost his confidence. He’s been delivering consistently for years and the rest of the batters have the ability to play long, match-winning innings,” he said.

South Africa’s captain Matthew Breetzke acknowledged the challenge of adapting to local conditions.

“It’s crucial that we assess the conditions in the first ten overs with both bat and ball,” he said. “The T20 series gave us good insight into how we can approach the ODIs. Our success will depend on how quickly we adapt,” the skipper said.

On Babar Azam, Breetzke remarked: “Babar is in excellent form and stopping him will be key. He’s a world-class player but we’ll look to execute our plans effectively to stop him in the series."

The two captains also jointly unveiled the series trophy.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha.

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Ottneil Baartman