South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first against Pakistan at the National Stadium, Karachi. With New Zealand already securing a spot in the final, today's match serves as a virtual semi-final, determining which team will challenge the Kiwis for the title.
With New Zealand already securing a spot in the final, Wednesday’s match will determine who joins them for the title decider, making it a virtual semi-final.
The upcoming Champions Trophy will have groups of four, allowing minimal room for error. This match serves as crucial preparation for both Pakistan and South Africa, simulating the pressure of the high-stakes tournament.
On recent form, Pakistan hold the upper hand after clean sweeping South Africa 3-0 in an ODI series on their home soil in December—marking a historic first. However, South Africa played that series without several key players, a factor Pakistan may acknowledge but won’t dwell on.
Despite Klaasen's return, South Africa remains severely depleted, with several core players—including Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada—yet to join the squad. They are expected to arrive in Pakistan over the weekend, leaving South Africa reliant on a second-string side for this crucial encounter.
Pakistan, however, must capitalize on this advantage by improving their batting. In their last game, they were bowled out for 252 against New Zealand, collapsing from a promising start. Their middle order will be under scrutiny, just as South Africa’s bowling attack needs to step up after failing to defend 304 runs in their previous match. The Proteas have been reinforced by Corbin Bosch and Kwena Maphaka’s pace, but discipline will be key if they want to make the final.
Beyond the silverware, this match presents an opportunity for both teams to get in one last competitive fixture before the Champions Trophy. Pakistan, in particular, stand to benefit, as they open their tournament campaign against New Zealand on February 19 in Karachi. Facing the Kiwis five days earlier at the same venue could serve as a valuable dress rehearsal.
South Africa also play their first Champions Trophy match in Karachi, against Afghanistan, but before looking that far ahead, they will be desperate to break a five-match losing streak.
Pakistan: LWWWW (last five completed matches)
South Africa: LLLLL
Fakhar Zaman marked his comeback in style with an 84 off 69 balls against New Zealand, displaying both power and precision. His aggression against spinners and short-pitched bowling suggests he has retained the form that saw him average 50.82 in ODIs with four centuries in 2023. With Saim Ayub injured, Fakhar now has the chance to cement his place with consistent performances.
For South Africa, Tabraiz Shamsi faces mounting pressure to prove his worth. Across his last four matches in all formats, he has bowled 15 overs without taking a wicket. A quiet SA20 season for the Jo’burg Super Kings has only added to concerns. As South Africa head into the Champions Trophy with just two specialist spinners, Shamsi must deliver to retain his place as the team’s primary white-ball spinner.
With a spot in the final on the line and valuable match practice ahead of the Champions Trophy, both teams have plenty to fight for. Pakistan will look to maintain their dominance over South Africa, while the Proteas aim to snap their losing streak and prove they can compete despite missing key players.
