When Pakistan gets down to play the first One Day International on the soil of South Africa, they will have already played the two matches T20 series. A lot will depend on the T20 series because of the fact that cricket is very much the game of momentum and form. Although there is no surety that how much momentum can two T20 games give to any batsmen or a team but it will be expected that the T20 games will have a profound impact on the One Day International series.
Speaking of One Day International track record, both the teams are literally a part of the top class section the cricketing worlds. Before the game on 24th November starts on the stadium in Newlands, the team would have already played as many as 66 matches since South Africa’s return to international cricket in 1992. The record in case of One day International games stands strongly in favor of the South African team as they have beaten Pakistan in 44 of the 66 meetings that they have had in the past. But as well all know about the uncertainties of game, nothing that a hard competition will be expected from the first ODI and the remainder of the series.
In the case there will be much brighter prospects who will be venturing into the game, South Africa will be having the advantage of playing in the home conditions. Where the team of Pakistan has the likes of Mohammed Hafeez, Yunus Khan, Nasir Jamshed at their batting disposal, the batting from the prospect of South Africa will be headed by the experienced likes of Hashim Amla, Jaques Kallis and Abraham De Villiers. The major trouble that the batsmen from Pakistan will face is from the pace front of South Africa which will be spear headed by Dale Steyn. Considering all the aspects, there is no doubt in the minds of the analysts that the competition will be stiff and a treat to watch!