The Wanderers Johannesburg Pitch Report For South Africa Vs Pakistan 3rd ODI

Anurag Dasgupta∙ Updated: Dec 21 2024, 6:00 PM

Wanderers to host SA Vs PAK 3rd ODI [Source: @BarbourSmith/X.Com]Wanderers to host SA Vs PAK 3rd ODI [Source: @BarbourSmith/X.Com]

The stage is set for the third and the final ODI of the series between Pakistan and South Africa from the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg. The match will begin on December 22 as the hosts will look to salvage some pride against the rampant visiting side.

Pakistan came into the series having underperformed in the T20Is against the same opposition. However, the Mohammad Rizwan led side brought their best and won both the games, rather convincingly.

In the first ODI, South Africa posted 239/9, and at one stage, they had the upper hand against the Pakistan side, however, Saim Ayub scored a terrific hundred and sealed the win for his side. In the second match, the visitors batted first and fifties from Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Kamran Ghulam helped them to post 329.

In reply, Heinrich Klaasen gave them a mini heart attack, but the Pakistan speedster did the demolition job and secured a famous series win. Now, the caravan moves towards Wanderers, Johannesburg and ahead of the contest, let us take a look at the pitch conditions.

The Wanderers Johannesburg Stats And Records In ODIs

Criterion
Data
Matches Played54
Matches won batting first23
Matches won batting second31
Average 1st innings score239
Average 2nd innings score200

The Wanderers Johannesburg: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

Traditionally, the Wanderers surface has assisted the pacers and has been a paradise for them. In the last couple of days, Johannesburg has witnessed considerable rainfall and it could play a huge role in the pitch behaviour as well.

There might be some moisture on the surface due to relentless rain and it could help the fast bowlers in the early going. The Joburg surface has always witnessed pace and bounce on offer, however, if the batters resist the initial movement from the pacers, they can score truckloads of runs at this venue.

Also, the stadium is situated at a high altitude which will help the ball to travel faster in the air. Pace bowlers who will hit the hard length will be able to utilise the conditions to their advantage. If they pitch it further up or bowl relatively short, the bowlers are likely to get the hammering at this venue. In the last 5 matches, the batting first team has won thrice, however, with rain predictions around, it would be advisable to bowl first.

Players To Watch Out For At The Wanderers Johannesburg

Kagiso Rabada

  • Kagiso Rabada, who missed the second game of the series might be back for the third ODI. The Proteas pacer has excellent ODI record at this venue, picking up 17 wickets in 8 matches, at an average of 19.52. Against a quality, yet vulnerable top order against pace bowling, Rabada will fancy his chances.

Saim Ayub

  • He might not be the mist technically sound player in the current Pakistan squad, but the way he plays will be beneficial for the talented batter. Saim Ayub likes to play aggressive and generally loves to take the aerial route. Due to the high altitude at this venue, his stroke-making will be quite useful since he could easily clear the fence. Plus, he has been in sublime form throughout the series.

Heinrich Klaasen

  • He might not boast the best of ODI records at this venue, but Klaasen has been in terrific form in the ODI series. He has scored fifties in both the matches and narrowly missed out on a terrific ton in the last game. In this current team, he is South Africa's best player in white-ball cricket.