Pakistan will face South Africa in a crucial ODI tri-series match on February 12 in Karachi. The winner will advance to the final against New Zealand. Both teams are eager for a victory to ensure progression, as South Africa incorporates several uncapped players into their lineup.
Pakistan is poised to confront South Africa in the final group-stage match of the ODI tri-series on Wednesday, February 12, at the National Stadium in Karachi. This match carries significant implications, as the winner will secure a place in the final against New Zealand. Both teams previously suffered defeats to New Zealand, making this encounter a crucial virtual semi-final for the hosts.
As the home team, Pakistan has greater motivation to claim victory, especially as they would prefer to avoid an early exit from the series in front of their home crowd. Furthermore, Pakistan is gearing up to host the 2025 ICC Champions Trophy, adding pressure to perform well in this match.
In contrast, South Africa has introduced six uncapped players for this series, who aim to seize the opportunity for exposure and success before the impending Champions Trophy next week. A win could offer them valuable momentum as they transition into the larger tournament.
For the match, Pakistan’s probable playing eleven includes notable players such as Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, and Shaheen Afridi. Meanwhile, South Africa’s lineup is expected to feature Temba Bavuma, Lungi Ngidi, and Tabraiz Shamsi among others, forming a competitive contest.
Historically, South Africa holds a substantial lead over Pakistan in their ODI head-to-head record, having won 52 out of 86 matches played between the two teams. Pakistan only managed to secure 33 victories, while one match ended without a result.
The live telecast of this pivotal match will be available in India on the Sony Sports Network, particularly on Sony Ten 1. The toss is scheduled to take place at 2:30 PM IST, with the match commencing shortly thereafter at 3 PM IST. Fans can also access live streaming through the FanCode application and website, ensuring they do not miss any action of this vital encounter.
This match represents not only a chance for advancement in the series but also a critical moment for both teams as they prepare for the larger challenges ahead in the cricketing calendar.
In summary, the final group-stage match of the ODI tri-series between Pakistan and South Africa on February 12 is set to be a decisive encounter. With both teams desperate for victory to advance to the final against New Zealand, the stakes are high. Pakistan seeks to avoid elimination in their home conditions, while South Africa aims to build momentum with their young squad ahead of the Champions Trophy.
Original Source: www.business-standard.com
