SA vs PAK 3rd ODI Match Prediction (Source: AP Photos)
The ongoing ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan is turning heads. After a heartbreaking T20I series, the ‘Men in Green’ made a remarkable bounce back in the ODI series. Now the series is making its way towards the third ODI match. Both teams will face each other in the decider match at the Wanderers Stadium on December 22, 5:30 PM onwards.
South Africa
After sweeping Pakistan in the T20I series, the South African side appeared in the three-match ODI series with huge confidence. But the ODI series turned out to be a disappointing one for the proteas. In the first match, South Africa put on a competitive total of 239 runs depending on Klaasen’s 85-run innings but Mohammad Rizwan and Co. crushed the host with a narrow 3-wicket win.
The second match turned out to be a nightmare for the South African side. The Protea bowlers struggled to restrict the visitors under the belt. Despite this, Kwena Maphaka shined with a 4-wicket haul and Marco Jansen secured 3 scalps. Heinrich Klaasen missed his well-deserved century by 3 runs and got dismissed scoring 97 runs. The other batters failed to leave a remark. As the last match of the ODI series looms soon, the hosts will try to end the series with one win.
Pakistan
After facing a whitewash in the T20I series, Pakistan made a remarkable bounce back in the ongoing ODI series. They secured the series win with an impressive 81-run victory in the second ODI match. In the first ODI, the Pakistani bowlers showcased domination. Agha Salman shined with a 4-wicket haul and Abrar Ahmed secured another 2 crucial wickets. While chasing the target, Saim Ayub graced the big stage with an outstanding century. Salman Agha showcased pure all-round skill and remained unbeaten in 82 runs.
The second ODI match witnessed Pakistan’s excellence in global cricket. While batting first, Babar Azam secured a crucial 115-run partnership with captain Mohammad Rizwan. While defending the total, Shaheen Afridi brought back his masterclass. He secured 4 scalps and Naseem Shah registered 3 crucial dismissals. As the last game is coming up on the stage, the visitors will be eyeing another win to clean-sweep the hosts.
SA vs PAK Head-to-Head Records In T20Is
| Matches | South Africa Won | Pakistan Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 85 | 52 | 32 | 1 |
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How Will The Wanderers Stadium Pitch Behave?
The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg has a reputation for its quick and lively pitch, which gives batters an edge. But recent downpours in South Africa might add some dampness to the surface giving bowlers a helping hand. Even though the pitch is still good to bat on, the weather could make things trickier setting up an interesting battle between the batters and bowlers. Considering the condition, the toss-winning captain may opt to bat first.
Players to Watch Out in SA vs PAK 3rd ODI
South Africa
Heinrich Klaasen: In the ongoing ODI series, South African wicketkeeper-batter Heinrich Klaasen is showcasing his excellence on the global stage. In the previous two matches, the dynamic South Indian batter scored 183 runs. In the second ODI, he missed a well-deserved century just by 3 runs. His consistency and exceptional batting ability will be crucial for the team.
Aiden Markram: In the ongoing series, Aiden Markram is trying hard to make an impact. In the first match, he played an impactful knock of 35 runs and contributed 21 runs in the second match. Though he has yet to pick a wicket in this series, his all-round skill is a huge asset to the team.
Kwena Maphaka: In the South African bowling unit, youngster Kwena Maphaka showcased his excellence in the second ODI. After missing out on the first match, he shined with an impressive 4-wicket in a crucial point. He dismissed star batters like Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, and Kamran Ghulam. His presence in the playing xi will make a difference.
Marco Jansen: Marco Jansen is an ace bowler of the South African side. In the ongoing ODI series, he showcased his excellence while bagging four wickets in two matches. In the last match, he shined with 3 wickets. He can be a crucial weapon for the team.
Pakistan
Saim Ayub: In the ongoing limited-over series against South Africa, Saim Ayub has become a big asset of Pakistan’s top order. In the first match, he dazzled with an incredible knock of 109 runs and added 25 runs in the second match. He can be a crucial player for the visitors.
Salman Agha: Salman Agha is another bright name of the squad. In the ongoing series, he dazzled with his exceptional all-round skill. In the first match, his unbeaten innings of 82 runs was crucial to secure the win. Along with that, he also secured 4 wickets in the game. In the second match, he contributed 33 runs and picked 1 wicket.
Shaheen Afridi: Shaheen Afridi is the fave of Pakistan’s bowling unit and the ace bowler redefined the fact in the ongoing series. In the second match, in the last match, he secured a fine 4-wicket haul while conceding just 47 runs. His ability to secure wickets in crucial points will be an asset for the team.
Abrar Ahmed: Abrar Ahmed is another big asset of Pakistan’s bowling unit. In the ongoing ODI series, he has showcased consistency while securing 4 wickets in two matches. His economical bowling is a huge plus for the team.
Today’s Match Prediction: SA vs PAK 3rd ODI
Predicted Top Performers
South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen, Kwena Maphaka, Marco Jansen.
Pakistan: Saim Ayub, Salman Agha, Shaheen Afridi.
SA vs PAK 3rd ODI: Predicted Score
Predicted first innings score: 240-250 runs.
Predicted second innings score: 200-210.
 "Poulomi Chakraborty")
