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The second match of the three-match ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan will be held on Thursday, 19th December 2024, at the picturesque Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town. After losing the first ODI in a closely fought encounter, South Africa will be eager to bounce back and level the series. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be riding high on confidence after their three-wicket win, thanks to splendid performances from Saim Ayub and Salman Agha.
Newlands has been a happy hunting ground for South Africa, as they have won five out of six ODIs against Pakistan at this venue. However, Pakistan’s momentum and resilience make this clash an exciting contest.
Match Details
| Fixture | South Africa vs Pakistan, 2nd ODI |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, 19th December 2024 |
| Venue | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town |
| Time | 1:30 PM Local Time / 11:30 AM GMT |
Teams Preview
South Africa Preview
South Africa’s batting lineup showed flashes of brilliance in the first ODI, but they fell short of posting a challenging total. The top order failed to convert starts into big scores, while wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen stood tall with a well-crafted 86 off 97 balls. Captain Aiden Markram will need to lead from the front and inspire his team to perform collectively.
Key Batters:
- Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton must provide a steady start.
- Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and Heinrich Klaasen form the backbone of the middle order.
- Power hitters like Tristan Stubbs will need to accelerate in the death overs.
Bowling Attack:
The bowling unit had moments of brilliance, with Kagiso Rabada and Ottneil Baartman claiming two wickets each in the previous match. However, they lacked consistency in the middle overs. Left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi will play a crucial role in slowing down the Pakistani batters on a pitch that tends to assist spin.
South Africa Predicted Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram (c) | All-rounder |
| Tony de Zorzi | Batter |
| Ryan Rickelton | Batter |
| Rassie van der Dussen | Batter |
| Heinrich Klaasen (wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder |
| Andile Phehlukwayo | All-rounder |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler |
| Ottneil Baartman | Bowler |
| Tabraiz Shamsi | Bowler |
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan showcased grit and determination in their successful chase during the first ODI. Saim Ayub was the star with the bat, scoring a scintillating 109 off 119 balls, while Salman Agha played the perfect finisher’s role with an unbeaten 82 off 90 balls. The top-order contributions laid a strong foundation for the chase.
Key Batters:
- Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique need to continue providing solid starts.
- Babar Azam, Salman Agha, and Kamran Ghulam form a formidable middle order.
Bowling Attack:
The bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi, delivered disciplined spells, while all-rounder Salman Agha impressed with a four-wicket haul. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed and pacers Naseem Shah and Haris Rauf will be key in containing South Africa’s batting.
Pakistan Predicted Playing XI:
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) | Wicketkeeper-batter |
| Kamran Ghulam | Batter |
| Saim Ayub | Batter |
| Abdullah Shafique | Batter |
| Babar Azam | Batter |
| Salman Agha | All-rounder |
| Irfan Khan | Batter |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| Haris Rauf | Bowler |
| Abrar Ahmed | Bowler |
Fantasy Team XI
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| Captain | Saim Ayub |
| Vice-Captain | Heinrich Klaasen |
| Batsmen | Babar Azam, Ryan Rickelton, Rassie van der Dussen |
| All-rounders | Aiden Markram, Salman Agha, Andile Phehlukwayo |
| Wicketkeeper | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Bowlers | Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed |
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report:
The Newlands Cricket Ground offers a balanced surface. Batters need to settle in before playing big shots, while spinners and pacers can exploit any assistance from the pitch. The average first-innings score here is 233 runs, but teams chasing have historically enjoyed success.
Weather Report:
The forecast predicts sunny skies with light winds and temperatures ranging from 18°C to 22°C. Conditions will remain ideal for cricket, with no rain interruptions expected.
- Toss Prediction: Bowl first. Four of the last six day-night ODIs at Newlands have been won by teams chasing.
Winning Prediction
South Africa will bank on their impressive record at Newlands to level the series. However, Pakistan’s recent form and the confidence from their win in the first ODI give them an edge. Expect a closely contested game.
Prediction: South Africa to bounce back and win the second ODI
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