St. George's Park in Port Elizabeth will be the venue for the first ODI between South Africa and Pakistan on Saturday, January 19, 2019. After sweeping the Test series 3-0, the Proteas will aim to start the limited overs leg with a win as well. A bright sunny day is expected in Port Elizabeth with the pitch offering something to the pacers. This wicket has produced some great games with par scores, and Saturday could be one of those days.
PTV Sports and SuperSport broadcast details
PTV Sports and Ten Sports will start the live television coverage of SA v Pak 1st ODI at 4:00 PM PKT.
SuperSport will provide the television broadcast along with the online streaming on its website for the South African viewers. The live streaming can be watched at Wickets.tv from 1:00 PM SAST, 11:00 AM GMT.
Read: PTV Sports live cricket streaming Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI & highlights
Klaasen to take up gloves in de Kock's absence
South Africa have rested Quinton de Kock for first two ODIs, which automatically gives an opportunity to Heinrich Klaasen to cement his spot in the squad. Either Reeza Hendricks or Aiden Markram will open the innings with Hashim Amla.
Uncapped played Rassie van der Dassen has been called up as well to replace JP Duminy in the squad. With Dale Steyn rested, Duanne Olivier could see making his ODI debut.
Olivier recently was adjudged the man of the series in the Tests against Pakistan for his superb bowling performances.
It's almost time 🔥🔥🔥 #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/TQ8b48Peav
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) January 18, 2019
South African captain Faf du Plessis did mention in a press conference that his side is still trying to find the proper balance for the upcoming world cup.
According to the Cricbuzz report, he also stated that their spots in the batting unit up for grabs.
Pakistan eye redemption with the white ball
Pakistan has a settled unit in the one-day internationals except the fact that the side hasn't been in best of forms lately. There will be a direct clash between Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim for the all-rounder's role in the team.
Considering the wicket in Port Elizabeth, it's likely that Faheem will get a nod ahead in the first game of the series. Rest of the side will be similar to the one which played New Zealand in UAE last year.
Captain Sarfaraz Ahmed stressed the fact that Pakistan's openers haven't performed well in recent times, but the team management is backing Fakhar Zaman to come good in this series. He also said that Zaman is a dangerous batsman and someone Pakistan team relies on.
