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South Africa v Pakistan
1st One Day International
Friday 2 April 2021
SuperSport Park, Centurion
First ball 13:00
South Africa and Pakistan will meet for the first of three One Day Internationals (ODIs) when they battle for ascendancy at SuperSport Park in Centurion on Friday 2 April 2021, first ball at 13:00.
SA will be playing ODI cricket for the first time in more than a year, with their last series in the 50-over format ending in a 2-1 win over Australia in February and March 2020. Since then, the Proteas have played T20I and Test cricket against England, Sri Lanka and Pakistan with generally disappointing results. This most recently includes 2-0 Test and 2-1 T20I series losses away to Pakistan in January and February.
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Heading into this series, the Proteas have named Temba Bavuma as the new captain for both white-ball formats, with the batsman becoming South Africa’s first black national cricket team captain.
“I'd be lying if I said it does not make me think of where everything started for me, and how I've been able to go through a journey and get to this point. But combined with being known as the first black African captain, I'd also like to be known as someone who led the team very well and created a legacy for himself,” said Bavuma.
The ODI squad also includes recalls for Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder, as well as a first selection for Lizaad Williams, while Sisanda Magala (who has been called up before but been unable to play due to fitness issues) will hope to finally make his debut.
Pakistan, meanwhile, will look to carry the momentum they built up in defeating South Africa in both Test and T20I series earlier this year. The Asian side has played ODI cricket more recently than their hosts, defeating Zimbabwe 2-0 in a home series in October and November 2020.
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Pakistan’s ODI vice captain Shadab Khan believes the team’s strength in depth gives them a great chance of claiming victory in South Africa: “The team right now has become so rich that we have back-ups for every position,” he explained.
“It's a good sign for a good team in the world. Such competition is useful. It puts a bit of pressure on every player, but that anyway is always there when you play international cricket.”
In head-to-head terms, South Africa and Pakistan have met in 79 previous ODIs, dating back to 1992. The Proteas have claimed 50 wins compared to 28 for the Asian side, with one no result. The teams met in an ODI in June 2019, with Pakistan claiming a 49-run win at Lord’s in London as part of the World Cup.
SA v Pakistan – Head-to-head
ODIs played 79
SA wins 50
Pakistan wins 28
Ties 0
No results 1
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