Tue Dec 17 17:50:58 UTC 2024: ## South Africa to Face Pakistan in First ODI, Boland Park Favors Batsmen
**Port Elizabeth, South Africa –** South Africa and Pakistan are set to clash in the first of a three-match ODI series at Boland Park on December 17th. This follows a recent T20 series victory for South Africa (2-0). South Africa enters the series on the back of a 2-1 win against Ireland, while Pakistan secured a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their last ODI series.
Temba Bavuma will captain South Africa, returning alongside Keshav Maharaj and Kagiso Rabada. Boland Park’s pitch is expected to favor batsmen, with a three-year average first-innings score of 240 runs in ODIs. The toss could be crucial, with captains likely opting to bat first.
Key players for South Africa include Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller. Pakistan’s key players are Mohammad Rizwan (captain/wicketkeeper), Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi. The article also suggests potential captain and vice-captain choices for a fantasy league team.
First Piper 