The second ODI of the three-match series between Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place on Thursday at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium in Faisalabad. Following a thrilling two-wicket victory in the first match, Pakistan hold a 1-0 lead in the three-match series and will be keen to wrap up the contest with another strong performance.
Meanwhile, South Africa, led by Matthew Breetzke, will be eager to correct their mistakes from the first ODI and force a decider in the final match.
PAK vs SA: Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Matches played: 88 | Pakistan won: 35 | South Africa: 52 | No results: 1
PAK vs SA, 2nd ODI: Match Details
- Date and Time: November 6 (Thursday); 3:30 pm IST/ 3:00 pm Local/ 10:00 am GMT
- Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Key players to watch
Pakistan
- Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub: The opening pair are known for their explosive starts. If they fire early, Pakistan could set the tone for a commanding total.
- Babar Azam: The cornerstone of Pakistan’s batting lineup, his form will be crucial in stabilizing the innings.
- Salman Agha and Mohammad Rizwan: Both middle-order batters offer consistency and adaptability against South Africa’s bowling attack.
- Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah: Pakistan’s premier pace duo will again lead the charge with the new ball, exploiting early swing conditions.
- Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz: The spin pair will play a pivotal role, especially during the middle overs when run control becomes critical.
South Africa
- Quinton de Kock: The veteran opener scored a composed 63 in the first match and remains South Africa’s most reliable run-getter.
- Tony de Zorzi: Tasked with wicketkeeping duties, his dual role will be vital in ensuring stability at the top.
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius and Dewald Brevis: The young duo adds flair and aggression to the middle order, capable of shifting momentum quickly.
- Bjorn Fortuin and Lungi Ngidi: South Africa’s pace attack relies heavily on their ability to make early breakthroughs.
- George Linde: The left-arm spinner will be key on Faisalabad’s slower surface, especially in containing Pakistan’s middle order.
Iqbal Stadium Pitch Report
Historically, the Iqbal Stadium surface has been characterized as a batting paradise, predisposed to large totals. Early on, the pitch offers minimal assistance to pace bowlers, though wear and tear typically brings spinners into the contest later. Given the significant hiatus since the last international match here, exact conditions are slightly ambiguous, but the default assumption remains a favourable batting surface. Therefore, teams winning the coin toss are anticipated to choose batting first to maximize their scoring opportunity.
PAK vs SA, 2nd ODI: Today’s Match Prediction
Case 1:
- Pakistan wins the toss and bats first
- Pakistan’s total score: 260-270
Case 2:
- South Africa wins the toss and bats first
- South Africa total score: 280-290
Match result: Team batting first to win the contest.
Also READ: Spinners, Salman Agha guide Pakistan to a thrilling win over South Africa in 1st ODI
