PAK vs SA 1st ODI Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

PAK vs SA 1st ODI Match Preview – International cricket returns to Faisalabad as a full-strength Pakistan, led by Shaheen Afridi, takes on a young and experimental South African side in the first of a three-match ODI series.¹ Set to be played at the Iqbal Stadium, this match presents a classic contrast: Pakistan’s established superstars against South Africa’s emerging talent.

Pakistan, playing in their own backyard, have named a formidable squad. The batting is packed with the class of Babar Azam and the reliability of Mohammad Rizwan, supported by explosive openers in Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Their bowling, spearheaded by their captain, boasts the fearsome trio of Shaheen, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf.

South Africa, on the other hand, have sent a squad brimming with new faces, captained by Matthew Breetzke. While they are missing many of their World Cup stars, the presence of the evergreen Quinton de Kock provides invaluable experience. All eyes will be on exciting prospects like Dewald Brevis and Lhuan-dre Pretorius as they get a chance to prove their mettle on the international stage.

PAK vs SA 1st ODI Match Details

PAK vs SA Head-to-Head (ODI)

Historically, South Africa has had a significant upper hand over Pakistan in One-Day Internationals. However, Pakistan has been a very strong team at home, and this new-look South African side will be up against a full-strength host.

PAK vs SA Pitch Report: Iqbal Stadium

The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is renowned for one thing: runs. It is historically one of the flattest, most batting-friendly pitches in Pakistan. The track offers very little for the new-ball bowlers, with true pace and bounce allowing batters to play their strokes with freedom from ball one.

Expect a high-scoring affair. Both teams will be eyeing a total well in excess of 300-320 if they bat first. Spinners might find a hint of grip as the match progresses, but their main job will be to contain the scoring. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bat first and post a daunting total.

PAK vs SA Weather Report

The weather in Faisalabad on Tuesday is expected to be perfect for a game of cricket. The forecast predicts clear, sunny skies with no chance of rain. The temperature will be pleasant, hovering around 28°C at the start of play, making for comfortable conditions for both players and spectators. A full, uninterrupted match is on the cards.

PAK vs SA Probable Playing11

Pakistan (PAK): Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa (SA): Quinton de Kock (w), Tony de Zorzi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Matthew Breetzke (c), Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger.

PAK vs SA Squads

Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Hussain Talat, Salman Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi(c), Mohammad Nawaz, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah Khan.

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

PAK vs SA Match Prediction

Pakistan enters this contest as the overwhelming favorite, and it’s easy to see why. They are playing at home, on a pitch that perfectly suits their formidable batting lineup, and possess a world-class pace attack. The trio of Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and Haris Rauf will be a massive handful for the inexperienced South African batting order.

While the Proteas have the explosive x-factors of Quinton de Kock and Dewald Brevis, their overall lineup lacks depth and experience. Their bowling attack, led by Lungi Ngidi, will find it incredibly difficult to contain Pakistan’s batting on such a flat wicket. Unless de Kock or Brevis produce a once-in-a-season innings, Pakistan’s quality and experience should see them through to a 1-0 series lead.

Prediction: Pakistan to win.