The opening ODI between South Africa and Pakistan takes place in Port Elizabeth on Saturday with both sides looking for a fast start in the five match series, as they continue their preparation for the upcoming World Cup.
South Africa have been in decent nick in this format of the game, and while Pakistan haven’t been quite as convincing, they are the Champions Trophy holders which by its very definition shows how capable they are.
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South Africa
After dominating the Test series, the South Africans will be looking to continue their advantage over Pakistan when they put on the coloured clothing and get stuck into the ODIs. I don’t think South Africa are quite as reliable in this format of the game but they have a five match series to get their teeth into here, to find some consistency and some winning form moving forward.
We know South Africa will be fine with the ball. They have a wealth of options in that aspect of the game but with the bat they can be a little flaky. I expected a bit of a drop off from them in that after AB de Villiers quit but I wasn’t anticipating it to be quite how it has been. That said, they have still done enough to win series of late which is a good thing.
Pakistan
Since the Asia Cup, Pakistan’s fortunes in limited overs cricket has been mixed to say the least so it will be interesting to see if the scratchy team of late turn up, or whether the ones which won the Champions Trophy arrive in South Africa. If it is the latter they are going to be a competitive force but if it is the former then this series could go the same way as the Test matches.
Pakistan look to have plenty of options with the ball for this match and with plenty of experience coming in to provide reinforcements to their batting, there is no reason why the tourists should not be confident of a result here but they will need to maintain their intensity throughout the 100 overs if they are to get off to a fast start in proceedings.
Team News
South Africa have chosen to rest Quinton de Kock and Dale Steyn for the opening two matches which gives Rassie van der Dussen and Duanne Olivier the chance to make their ODI debuts in this series opener. They will need to choose between their two leg-spinners.
Pakistan will bring Shoaib Malik and Mohammad Hafeez into their ranks and such was his ability in the Test matches that Shan Masood could also get a go at the top of the order. Imad Wasim will come in for Mohammad Abbas from the bowlers.
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Betting
We usually see a decent enough batting track at Port Elizabeth with a fast outfield so I’m a little surprised that the boundaries line is as low as 50.5 in this match. The Test matches were low scoring but they were played on green tops where the bouncer had a huge effect on the contests. There won’t be as many bouncers and I’m not expecting a green top here so I’m looking at taking the over.
There is a lot more quality, reliability and depth in the Pakistan batting line up in this format of the game and there looks to be enough of it in the South Africa line up too. This might not be a 300 vs 300 match but I’m expecting enough runs to cover what feels like a pretty low boundaries line in the grand scheme of things.
Tips
WON – Back Over 50.5 boundaries for a 4/10 stake at 1.83 with William Hill
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