The first ODI of the three-match series between South Africa and Pakistan will be taking place on Tuesday (December 17). The game will be played at the Boland Park, Paarl.
South Africa will be looking to extend their winning run after clinching the T20I series with ease against the Men in Green. The Proteas won the first two games of the three-match T20I series before the third game was abandoned due to rain.
With the form on South Africa’s side, they will be looking to start the ODI series with a win as well. Pakistan, on the other hand, would be desperate to turn things around and make a winning start to the series. Ahead of the upcoming first ODI, we are taking a look at all the predictions for the game.
SA vs PAK Match Prediction- 1st ODI, Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-25:
SA vs PAK Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The game will be played at the Boland Park, Paarl. The venue has hosted 16 ODIs so far and has not really earned a reputation for being a high-scoring ground. The average first innings total at the venue is a modest 253 runs.
So it won’t be surprising if the first ODI turns out to be a low-scoring affair. Anything above 280 could be a winning total. Toss is also unlikely to play a very big role. Of the 16 ODIs played at the venue so far, teams batting first have won 9 times while teams batting second have won 6 times.
Form and Fitness
There are no injury concerns for either of the two teams.
Score Prediction
| Team | 1st innings | 2nd innings |
| SA | 270-280 | 250-260 |
| PAK | 240-250 | 200-210 |
SA vs PAK Players to perform prediction
SA – Temba Bavuma, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Tristan Stubbs, and Kagiso Rabada are the key players for South Africa.
PAK – Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, and Shaheen Afridi are the key players for Pakistan.
SA vs PAK Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for SA in the match: David Miller or Temba Bavuma
Who will score the most runs for PAK in the match: Saim Ayub or Abdullah Shafique
SA vs PAK Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for SA in the match: Kagiso Rabada or Tabraiz Shamsi
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match: Shaheen Afridi or Haris Rauf
Conclusion – Who will win the Match?
South Africa will start the game as favorites and are expected to win the first ODI against Pakistan. The Proteas have momentum and home advantage on their side and are expected to beat the tourists in the series-opener.
Pakistan do have the ability to spring a surprise or two but they will start the game as underdogs. It will take something special from them to win their first game of the ongoing tour.