ISLAMABAD: Pakistan won the toss and chose to field first against South Africa in the opening ODI of the three-match series at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa has spanned decades, with both sides boasting some iconic moments. While South Africa have long held the upper hand in their head-to-head ODI battles, recent encounters suggest that Pakistan is steadily closing the gap.
Head-to-Head:
Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 87 times in ODIs, with Pakistan winning 34, South Africa winning 52, and one match ending without a result.
Matches Played: 87
Pakistan Wins: 34
South Africa Wins: 52
No Result: 1
Form Guide:
Pakistan will be aiming to continue their winning momentum after securing a 2-1 T20I series victory. Despite losing their previous ODI series against New Zealand and the West Indies, the hosts will be keen to avenge these recent defeats when they take on the Proteas.
On the other hand, South Africa will look to build on the confidence gained from their recent ODI series win against England and will be determined to settle the score after their loss in the T20I series.
Playing XIs:
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, and Lizaad Williams.
Pakistan: L, L, W, L, L (most recent first)
South Africa: L, W, W, L, W
