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South Africa vs Pakistan 1st ODI Predictions & Tips - Babar Azam to be the difference in opener

Ralph Staniforth

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Last updated: 01 Apr 2021

Ralph Staniforth 01 Apr 2021

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South Africa vs Pakistan predictions for Friday’s 1st ODI cricket encounter
The match will be played at Centurion at 11:00am SAST
Babar Azam averages over 55 in ODI cricket from 77 innings
I'm backing Pakistan to cause an upset in the 1st ODI
Betting tips, predictions and team news for South Africa vs Pakistan

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South Africa vs Pakistan Predictions

South Africa are an unsettled side after a year of change, so they could well struggle in this clash and the series as a whole. My tip is for Pakistan to win the 1st ODI and extend their nine-match unbeaten run in this format of the game.

South Africa’s Heinrich Klaasen has scored 123, 51 & 68 runs in his last 3 ODI matches.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has scored 77 & 125 runs in his last 2 ODI matches.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam has been the team top run scorer in their last 2 ODI matches.
Pakistan’s Babar Azam averages 55.93 in ODI cricket.
Pakistan are unbeaten in their last 9 ODI matches.

Head to Head

South Africa have won three of their last five ODIs against Pakistan.

Their last match took place at Lord’s in the 2019 Cricket World Cup where Pakistan won by 49 runs.

South Africa Form

This will be South Africa’s first ODI match since March 2020 when they faced Australia in a three-match series at home. The hosts put in some superb performances to win that series 3-0.

Heinrich Klaasen was the star of that series with scores of 123, 51 and 68* in the three matches. There were also a number of young players who stood up with JJ Smuts scoring 84 runs in the 3rd ODI and Janneman Malan 123 in the 2nd ODI.

Unfortunately neither Malan nor Smuts have managed to continue that form since on the domestic scene while Klaasen has managed to keep his form up.

South Africa Injuries & Team News

Temba Bavuma will take charge of his first match as captain after taking over from Quinton de Kock. That should release De Kock to play his natural game with captaincy never really suited to him.

There are a few newcomers to the Proteas squad. Daryn Dupavillon, Sisanda Magala and Lizaad Williams will all hope to get an opportunity during this series.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan have only played three ODI fixtures since COVID-19 struck early in 2020. They won two and drew one in a three-match series against Zimbabwe in November 2020.

Pakistan have arrived in South Africa unbeaten in their last nine ODI matches. That will give them confidence in a country they have seldom performed well.

Babar Azam is one of the premier batsmen in the world and he arrives in good form. Against Zimbabwe, the middle-order batsmen scored 77 and 125 runs in the last two ODIs.

All eyes will be on him during this series and if Pakistan are to get anything from the series, Azam is likely to be at the centre of it.

Pakistan Injuries & Team News

Babar Azam will lead a full strength Pakistan side in the 1st ODI. There are a few Pakistan players who will be looking to make an impression after struggling in recent times.

That includes explosive opening batsman, Fakhar Zaman and the talented Haider Ali. In the bowling department, Shaheen Afridi has proven himself to be a world class performer while Hasan Ali will offer plenty of experience.

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Verdict

South Africa v Pakistan - 1st ODI

Pakistan have tasted victory in eight of their last nine ODIs, drawing one. I'm tipping them to win again in the 1st ODI against a South African team lacking experience. Pakistan batsman Babar Azam is backed to top score for his side and win the man of the match award. South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen has hit 50+ runs in his last three ODI innings. He is great value to be South Africa's top scorer for this clash.

Pakistan Win

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