The 2nd ODI cricket match of South Africa vs Pakistan 5-match one-day international series will be played today. As of now, Pakistani team is leading with 1-0. Today’s game is scheduled to take place at Port Elizabeth where the men-in-green haven’t lost a match till date. The visitors chased down the 266- run target without much difficulty.
Though Pakistan have won the first game, still we aren’t sure if they would be able to maintain the lead due to their unpredictability. Sarfaraz Ahmed must be feeling confident with the batsmen’s performance. He should be worried regarding bowlers as they were able to pick only two wickets in 50 overs. This time, the Proteas won’t let any mistake happen on their end and go for the kill.
Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf delivered some good deliveries, though. Pakistan have maintained a good record winning 5 out of 8 matches at the Kingsmead. They would like to continue with the same mood and momentum, and take a lead of 2-0 in the series.
No one is to blame except South Africa themselves as they didn’t accelerate in the last 10 overs despite having wickets in hand. It will haunt them for long if they don’t win today too. They can’t afford to lose another match. The debutant Rassie van der Dussen proved his strength and the return of Hashim Amla is a good sign for the team. Going by the records on paper, the Proteas have won 20 out of 36 matches in Durban. They would love to add another win to their kitty.
Pitch and Conditions
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For 44 matches, the average first innings score is 237 at the Kingsmead. Batting in the light later will be easier. There are small square boundaries on the ground. The team winning the toss first would be bowling first. Regarding climatic conditions, the weather forecast is to be a sunny day initially with a little rain later on in the evening around 7 pm. The chances are that it may increase during the night.
Team Combinations
South Africa
The Proteas won’t make any change in this match. They would like to give another chance to the team combination. Hendricks and Amla will open the innings while Dussen will bat at number 3. After him, the captain Plessis and Miller would come out to bat. Klassen and Pretorius will follow then. Rabada will be looking forward to improve his game. Olivier didn’t get a good debut and Tahir will take spin duties.
Probable XI: Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis (c), David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Dwaine Pretorius, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Duanne Olivier.
Pakistan
The Men in Green won’t change the playing eleven players. Usman didn’t perform good in the last game. He might be replaced by Shaheen Afridi or Mohammed Amir. Fakhar Zamam will assist Imam-ul-Haq who looks in good form. Babar Azam, Hafeez, and Shoaib Malik will give strength to the middle order. Sarfaraz doesn’t look good as of now. Shadab Khan and Faheem Ashraf are good all-rounders. Imad Wasim will help in the spin department. Hasan Ali performed very well in the series opener.
Probable XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c & wk), Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Imad Wasim, Mohmmad Amir/Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali.
Probable Top Performers
Reeza Hendricks – South Africa | Fakhar Zaman – Pakistan
Broadcast Details (Live Streaming)
TV – Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD
Live Streaming – Sony LIV
Match Timings – 16:30 IST; 13:00 local
SA vs PAK Prediction
As far as the match prediction goes, it will be difficult to defend on such a small ground like this one.
Stay tuned for more Pakistan vs South Africa updates.
