1st ODI: Pakistan wins toss, elected to bowl against South Africa

Pakistan captain Babar Azam on Friday won the toss and chose to bowl against South Africa in the first ODI match against South Africa.

According to the details, Pakistan is playing its first ODI match of the series against South Africa at SuperSport Park, Centurion.

For Pakistan, this series will be an opportunity to showcase their capacity in the ODI format, they have played only five ODIs since the 2019 World Cup.

Whereas for the South African side, the team will be led by newly-appointed captain Temba Bavuma. He has only featured in six ODIs for South Africa and will be replacing Quinton de Kock. Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder return to the ODI side after being on the sidelines due to injuries.

All-rounder Danish Aziz is making his One Day International (ODI) debut today for Pakistan against South Africa.

Danish Aziz is making his ODI debut today for Pakistan!#SAvPAK #HarHaalMainCricket #BackTheBoysInGreen pic.twitter.com/vGEP1PoNRE

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) April 2, 2021

On Wednesday, Pakistan Skipper Babar Azam expressed confidence in winning the upcoming cricket series against South Africa.

Babar Azam while addressing a virtual press conference said that the team underwent tough practice sessions ahead of the series and all the players tried to adapt themselves to the conditions.

Babar Azam said that ‘We will try our best to win as the team is confident and hopeful to perform well against South Africa.’ Adding that, ‘The South African team plays well on their soil, this series won’t be easy.’

Schedule:

1st ODI – April 02 – Friday – SuperSport Park, Centurion

2nd ODI – April 04 – Sunday – The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

3rd ODI – April 07 – Wednesday – SuperSport Park, Centurion

1st T20I – April 10 – Saturday – The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

2nd T20I – April 12 – Monday – The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg

3rd T20I – April 14 – Wednesday – SuperSport Pak, Centurion

4th T20I – April 16 – Friday – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Squads:

Pakistan ODI: Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Abdullah Shafique, Haider Ali, Danish Aziz, Asif Ali, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Hasnain, Hasan Ali, Usman Qadir

SA ODI: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock, Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Janneman Malan, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Anrich Nortje, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Jon-Jon Smuts, Rassie van der Dussen, Junior Dala, Lutho Sipamla, Wiaan Mulder, Sisanda Magala, Kyle Verreynne, Daryn Dupavillon, Lizaad Williams.