Cricket: Pakistan vs. South Africa ODI series - Key Stats and records as Proteas aim to avoid returning empty-handed
International cricket returns to Faislabad after 17 years
The first of three one-day internationals between Pakistan and South Africa will get underway on October 4 at the Iqbal Stadium, marking the first time an international match will be hosted in Faisalabad in almost two decades.
The last time an international match was played at this venue, the Shaheens secured a seven-wicket victory over Bangladesh in April 2008, and they will come into this fixture with plenty of confidence following their performances in the Test and T20 legs of this series.
Pakistan and the Proteas played to a 1-1 draw in the longest format, while the home side clinched the T20 series 2-1 by beating the visitors by four wickets in the third and final match in Lahore this past weekend, while also confirming our cricket predictions.
It will be a big day for Shaheen Afridi, who will lead the Green Shirts as captain for the first time in ODIs, and he is the leading wicket-taker against this opponent, having claimed 25 scalps in 13 matches, including a best of 4/47.
The hosts have enjoyed playing at the Iqbal Stadium in the past, with nine of their 12 ODI matches at this venue ending in victory!
However, South Africa have been the superior side in the 50-over format against Afridi and co, as they have won 52 of the 87 ODI matches between these sides, while Pakistan have 34 wins, and one match ended with a no-result.
Pakistan vs South Africa: Stats leaders and records
Babar Azam has an excellent record against South Africa over the years, having scored 744 runs in 15 innings against them at an average of 57.23. He is now just 20 boundaries away from completing 600 in his ODI career.
This could be a special match for all-rounder Mohammad Nawaz, who is 66 runs shy of completing 500 runs and five wickets away from 50 in his ODI career. Salman Agha needs two more big hits to reach 100 ODI boundaries.
For South Africa, Quinton de Kock has been incredible against the Shaheens in his career, having amassed 590 runs from 16 ODI matches. Proteas’ skipper Matthew Breetzke needs 33 more runs to reach 500 in ODIs.
