Thursday sees South Africa and Pakistan move on to the third and final match of their three-ODI series in Faisalabad.
This tour included a Test series that was drawn (1-1) and a three-match T20I series that Pakistan won 2-1 after taking the third and final game on Saturday.
South Africa can win the ODIs and, therefore, split the entire tour with a win here after they claimed a convincing victory in the second ODI.
Here is a look ahead at the contest.
Pakistan VS South Africa Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Pakistan VS South Africa 3rd ODI Date: Saturday, November 8
Pakistan VS South Africa Odds:
History
The first international match in 17 years in Faisalabad went the way of the home side. Pakistan won by two wickets after continuing their insane streak of winning every toss so far this tour.
They put the Proteas in to bat, then watched South Africa build a score of 269 before being bowled out in the 49th over. This seems like a solid score given the wicket, and the match came down to a thrilling climax as Pakistan stole a win with two balls to spare.
Quinton de Kock found his four in the first ODI, excelling in the format after coming out of retirement this tour. His 63 from 71 balls was a sign of what was to come, with de Kock blowing up in the second ODI.
He smashed his 22nd international ton in the format, destroying the Pakistani attack with an unbeaten 123 from 119 balls. It was a batting masterclass, one that the Proteas needed after being set 269 to win by their hosts.
De Kock rolled back the years, crushing eight 4s and seven 6s en route to his total. Assisted by Lhuan-dre Pretorius (46) and Tony de Zorzi (76), the three top-order players had South Africa cruising to an eight-wicket win with 10 overs to spare.
Pakistan
Pakistan needs its stars to show out. Salman Agha is the leading run-scorer for the hosts in ODIs in 2025, and he needs a big game. He scored 69 from the No. 5 spot in the lineup in the second ODI as wickets collapsed around him.
Pakistan also needs wickets early from their bowling attack. Mohammad Wasim is their best pure pacer this series, and he will be called upon to get one of the South African openers before they find their groove.
South Africa
Nandre Burger and Corbin Bosch got into the meat of the Pakistani lineup early on Thursday. It seemed like a coordinated plan, with the pacers making the most of the pitch and the bounce it was giving. South Africa will likely use the same tactics again to take Pakistan out of the rhythm from the jump.
Best Bets
Given that he has top-scored for the Proteas in the last two innings against this same bowling attack, de Kock feels like a steal at 6/1 to be the top batsman.
South Africa has to be the outright choice, but batting second has been key, with both matches being won by the team chasing a total.
