South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Predictions and Preview

We sincerely hope that those who watched the first ODI between these two teams are okay, because it was a match that almost certainly jangled up the nerves of anyone daring to keep their eyes open, with the outcome decided off the very last delivery. South Africa proved to be more resilient than the cricketing world would give their current lineup credit for, but Pakistan, despite some almost unnecessary ups and downs, managed to beat them nevertheless - even if by the barest of margins. With the first match being such a thriller, we’re all eager to find out what the second has in store for us, and before the broadcast begins, let’s take a look at the two sides.

South Africa

Predicted XI for 2nd ODI vs Pakistan

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Jon-Jon Smuts, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen.

Preview and form

Given the start they had, most people expected South Africa to do much worse than they ended up doing. Batting first, they lost 4 wickets by 55 while scoring at less than 4 an over. However, Rassie van der Dussen played the innings of his lifetime (123* off 134) to steady the ship, and with David Miller’s 50 off 56 and a cameo by Andile Phehlukwayo, the Proteas were able to post a respectable 273, especially considering the pitch. However, despite taking an early wicket, their hopes were quickly snuffed out as they failed to strike again until Pakistan were well set for a victory. Although Anrich Nortje eventually picked up 4 quick wickets, and Andile Phehlukwayo took another two, it wasn’t enough, and they lost off the very last ball of the match.

South Africa key players for 2nd ODI vs Pakistan

Rassie van der Dussen: Currently rocking an absurd ODI average of 83, van der Dussen will no doubt be the danger man on behalf of South Africa.

David Miller: The veteran seems to still have some shots left in him.

Anrich Nortje: Nortje made us realize just how big a mistake we made by leaving him out of this list for the first match, so here he is.

Kagiso Rabada: Rabada may only have struck once last time, but that doesn’t mean he’ll stick to those numbers. 

Pakistan

Predicted XI for 2nd ODI vs South Africa

Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Faheem Ashraf, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Asif Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Asif Ali, Mohammad Hasnain.

Preview and form

As a team historically dominated by South Africa, the Men in Green will be happy to have bagged a win in their very first match of the series. In the last match, Shaheen Shah Afridi opened with two important wickets, and Haris Rauf chipped in with another two to put South Africa on the back foot. That being said, Faheem Ashraf was an absolute hero with figures of 9-0-25-1, counterbalancing the leak of runs from the other bowlers. Chasing 273, Imam-ul-Haq (70 off 80) and Babar Azam (103 off 104) were incredible together, and brought their team close to victory. Mohammad Rizwan (40 off 52) and Shadab Khan (33 off 30) then looked like they would take it all the way, but when the latter got out with 3 to get off 5, it came down to the wire with Faheem managing the 3 runs off the last two balls for a 4-wicket win.

Pakistan key players for 2nd ODI vs South Africa

Imam-ul-Haq: After a performance like that, Imam deserves to be here.

Babar Azam: Despite all his fans, this man is truly, truly underrated.

Mohammad Hasnain: Hasnain got a taste of blood in the first match, and he’ll be looking for more.

Faheem Ashraf: A gem of a cricketer, Faheem is another underrated player who is often more useful than far more celebrated peers.

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI pitch report and weather conditions

The days when the Wanderers Stadium pitch was a batting paradise seems to have been left behind, as in recent years, teams have struggled to break 280 on it. Fast bowlers get pretty much a free rein on the surface, so the bowlers on both teams will be bending their backs in anticipation of the pace and bounce. The toss isn’t as important here as is putting up at least 260+ if batting first.

With close to zero chance of rain, average humidity, a nice breeze, and pleasant temperatures, Joburg will be a cricketing heaven on Sunday.

Can the Proteas come back and even things out? Or will the Pakistanis kill off the series with consecutive wins to look for an unforeseen whitewash in South Africa? Find out if our South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI predictions come true on Sunday!