Another humdinger as Pakistan and South Africa prepare for final ODI
After four matches, three of which were absolute classics the ODI series between Pakistan and http://www.senore.com/Cricket/South-Africa-c757 is all set for a gripping climax as the two teams prepare for the final showdown in Dubai with an aim of outwitting each other.
The first match of the series was the most one-sided with the Proteas running away with a comprehensive 8 wicket win. It all looked the same as Pakistan crashed to 70/4 chasing a mammoth 287 for a win in the second ODI yet it was a dream innings from Abdul
Razzaq that stole the limelight giving the green machine an incredible win with one wicket and one ball to spare.
Razzaq’s innings was the tonic that http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Shahid-c89347 Afridi’s men were looking for after being humbled in the two match T20 series and first ODI.
They were on top for most part of the third ODI restricting the Proteas to a below par total on a sluggish pitch before their top order surrendered meekly.
They were down and out yet had their hopes raised by a scintillating partnership between Fawad Alam and Wahab Riaz, yet lost out by mere 2 runs in the last over of the match.
The fourth ODI was dominated by the Proteas as they set http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Pakistan-c755 a target of 275 runs, the cornered tigers were in the hunt till the very end and eventually managed to sneak home once again by 1 wicket.
Their win against all odds has set up an enthralling contest on Monday that will decide the course of arguably the most exciting ODI series in the last decade or so.
Three out of the four matches have gone down to the wire and have provided edge of the seat thrill to fans around the World. These games could not have come at a better time as the ICC struggled to keep intact the ODI format after calls from around the World
of overhauling or removing the format due to the increasing popularity of the T20 format.
Meanwhile, both teams are looking forward to the final battle at Dubai’s International stadium that has hosted the last two ODIs in the series.
The wicket has been difficult to bat on yet it has provided an intense battle between bat and ball and more of the same is expected when the match begins in the afternoon.
Pakistan is expected to retain the same eleven that won the last ODI, while the Proteas are expected to draft in their left arm seamer, Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who missed the last match due to a back spasm.
The tall pace bowler has caused trouble to Pakistan throughout the series and was sorely missed in South Africa’s defeat on Friday.
He was replaced by Wayne Parnell, who was a bundle of nerves in his comeback match. He bowled well in patches yet conceded many boundaries in his 10-over spell.
The other quick bowler that went around the park was http://www.senore.com/Cricket/Dale-c52110 Steyn. The right armer has been the leader of the pack for his team for the last two-three years.
Steyn was carted to all parts of the ground as he conceded 79 runs in his 10-overs.
South Africa’s batting, on the other hand has a solid look about it. The return of captain, Graeme Smith, who missed two out of the four matches due to a hand injury, bolstered the Proteas.
Smith would be hoping to carry on from his 92 that was the cornerstone of South Africa’s imposing total in the fourth match.
All in all, another gripping battle is expected as Pakistan aim to win its first ever ODI series against South Africa.
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