The ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan continues on Friday when the two sides head to Centurion for the third ODI, which is probably the biggest match they have played so far given the current state of proceedings.
South Africa won the second match in Durban on Tuesday and so we are all square heading to Centurion. That means the winner of this match will go one up with two to play and be in control of their destiny with two goes at landing the spoils.
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South Africa
After a very indifferent performance in the opening match of the series, South Africa got their act together for the second game and went back to the tactic which overpowered Pakistan in the Test matches. They delivered a barrage of short balls mixed in with quality deliveries that allowed the pitch assistance to do its thing and that really set the match up for them.
It certainly wasn’t a flawless display by any means and even though they were only chasing a shade over 200, they were certainly in trouble when they were four down before they had reached the 100 mark, but to their credit they held their nerve and got over the line to get themselves back in the series. They are going to have to bat better to claim this series and challenge for the World Cup though.
Pakistan
It was a trip back to the Test matches for Pakistan in that second ODI. They still haven’t come up with a plan to combat the short ball and while they got a few big shots away deep down their order, the damage was done in the first 20 or so overs of their batting effort. To their credit they bowled as though they believed they could defend a below par total, and were probably only one wicket away from giving it a right good go but they simply didn’t score enough runs.
The challenge going forward will be to find a way to live with the shorter stuff, because they are certain to get a load more of it. If they can do that we’ve seen in the two matches so far that their bowlers don’t need 300+ to defend. Anything above par gives them an excellent chance if they keep bowling as well as they have been doing.
Team News
South Africa will bring Quinton de Kock and Dale Steyn back into their squad after they sat out the opening two ODIs. Duanne Olivier, Dane Paterson and Heinrich Klaasen have been stood down for the remainder of the series.
Sarfraz Ahmed is likely to play for Pakistan unless there is any late ICC intervention after his racial comment in the previous match. Shan Masood could finally get an ODI debut if the selectors have run out of patience with Fakhar Zaman’s form.
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Betting
I think South Africa will be too strong here now that they have Steyn and de Kock back. De Kock in particular could be a big player for the home side. He can get after the Pakistan new ball bowlers and get them off their line and length and if South Africa start well with the bat they are likely to dominate throughout the contest in my eyes.
Pakistan have such an issue with the short ball that it is hard to support them in this match and with Dale Steyn back as well his swing could also be a monster problem for the visitors. South Africa covered the required handicap for this match in the last game and I see no reason why they won’t do so again in conditions that should suit the home team.
Tips
VOID – Back South Africa (-4.5wickets/23.5runs) to beat Pakistan for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with Bet365
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