Pak-SA ODI series begins today

Pacer Naseem, opener Shafique and top-order batter Kamran return for series

Pakistan and South Africa are ready to lock horns in a key three-match ODI series beginning from tomorrow at the Boland Park in Paarl at 5pm PKT. The second and third fixture of the series will be played at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town and The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg on 17 and 19 December, respectively.

South Africa had won the T20I series 2-0 after the third T20I was washed out on 14 December. The ODI series holds a lot of significance for both the teams as they look to fine tune their preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy in February and March 2025 in Pakistan.

Pakistan's squad has been bolstered with the return of pacer Naseem Shah, opening batter Abdullah Shafique and top-order batter Kamran Ghulam while wrist-spinner Sufyan Moqim and Usman Khan have received their maiden ODI call-ups. This will be Mohammad Rizwan's third ODI series as skipper of the side as he has started his stint with back to back ODI series wins over Australia and Zimbabwe.

In their last bilateral face-off in the 50-over format, Pakistan won the three-match series 2-1 in South Africa in April 2021.

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan's ODI captain, said: "This is a vital ODI series in terms of our preparations for the ICC Champions Trophy and with Allah's help we will look to emulate our performances from the ODI series against Australia."

"We couldn't get the ideal results in the T20I series but I am really happy with some of the performances put in by our players in these conditions especially Saim's batting was brilliant in both games," he said.

"Our batting, pace and spin stocks are decent enough to challenge South Africa and win the series with the help of almighty.

"I see a lot of potential in our ODI squad with players young and experienced both willing to put the best step forward, which makes us an exciting prospect as a one-day side not just going into this series but also in the home tri-nation series and the blockbuster white-ball mega event at home."

Pakistan ODI squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Aiden Markram, Andile Phehlukwayo, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Tony de Zorzi, and Tristan Stubbs

Schedule of matches:

17 Dec – 1st ODI vs South Africa at Boland Bank Park, Paarl (5pm PKT)

19 Dec – 2nd ODI vs South Africa at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town (5pm PKT)

22 Dec – 3rd ODI vs South Africa at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg (5pm PKT)

PCB and Fakhar need to reconcile: Shoaib Akhtar

Former Pakistan pacer Shoaib Akhtar has stepped into the ongoing discord between opener Fakhar Zaman and the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), calling for an amicable resolution in the interest of Pakistan cricket.

Akhtar voiced his concerns over Fakhar's prolonged exclusion from the national team, attributing the situation to internal "ego clashes" within the team management.

"Fakhar Zaman is a talented and dedicated player, but he has been sidelined unnecessarily due to personal differences," remarked Akhtar. "Even if he is not part of the team today, Pakistan will need him eventually," he added.

The legendary fast bowler also advised the left-handed opener to focus on his on-field performances rather than making public remarks about his situation. "Fakhar needs to let his bat speak. Avoid unnecessary statements and prove yourself with consistent performances," Akhtar added.

Fakhar Zaman, who was not included in Pakistan's white-ball squads for the ongoing series against South Africa, had been deemed unfit by interim head coach Aqib Javed. The PCB had issued a statement citing a lack of match fitness and form as the reasons for his exclusion.

However, Fakhar, currently playing in the Champions T20 Cup, dismissed these claims, asserting his readiness to represent Pakistan. "I am fully fit and performing in this tournament. If given the opportunity, I'm ready to play for my country," Fakhar said.