South Africa vs Pakistan: The series moves to Newlands in Cape Town for the second ODI, with South Africa aiming to level the series after a narrow defeat in the opener. Heinrich Klaasen was the standout for the hosts, scoring 103 in their total of 239. However, Pakistan managed to chase down the target with three balls to spare, anchored by a century from Saim Ayub and an unbeaten 82 from Salman Agha. South Africa faces challenges as their spin options have been depleted with Keshav Maharaj sidelined due to a calf strain, and David Miller also unavailable. The hosts will look to key players like Klaasen and Aiden Markram to return and provide stability in this must-win match.
Pitch Report
The surface at Newlands traditionally favors seamers, especially under overcast conditions. Spinners also tend to get grip and turn as the game progresses, particularly in the second innings. Teams batting first will aim for totals in the range of 260–280, with 300+ being a competitive target. Historically, teams chasing have found success, especially under lights, as the pitch tends to flatten out in the second half.
Pitch Stats:
- Total Matches: 44
- Batting First Wins: 29
- Batting Second Wins: 15
- Tie: 0
- Avg. Score in 1st Bat: 237
- Highest Score: South Africa 367/5
- Lowest Score: Pakistan 43/10
Head-to-Head:
- Total Matches: 83
- South Africa Wins: 52
- Pakistan Wins: 31
Last 5 Meetings:
- 17-Dec-2024: Pakistan won by 3 wickets (with 3 balls remaining)
- 27-Oct-2023: South Africa won by 1 wicket (with 16 balls remaining)
- 07-Apr-2021: Pakistan won by 28 runs
- 04-Apr-2021: South Africa won by 17 runs
- 02-Apr-2021: Pakistan won by 3 wickets (with 0 balls remaining)
Form Guide:
- South Africa: W, W, W, L, L
- Pakistan: W, L, W, W, W
Key Players:
- South Africa:
- Heinrich Klaasen: The only Proteas batter to make an impact in the series opener, scoring 86 runs.
- Aiden Markram: Returning to bolster the middle order and provide stability.
- Tabraiz Shamsi: Likely to lead the spin attack if Keshav Maharaj is unavailable.
- Pakistan:
- Saim Ayub: The young gun impressed with a century in the first ODI and looks in fine form.
- Babar Azam: Needs a big score to give the visitors a strong foundation.
- Haris Rauf: The pace spearhead who troubled the South African batsmen in the opener.
South Africa vs Pakistan Playing XIs:
- South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Marco Jansen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Ottneil Baartman, Tabraiz Shamsi.
- Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa vs Pakistan Prediction
The Newlands surface, known for its seam and spin assistance, will likely play a crucial role. South Africa will be desperate to bounce back and force a decider, but Pakistan, with momentum and an experienced lineup, looks slightly ahead in the competition. Expect a close contest with Pakistan holding a slight edge to seal the series.
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