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Dubai all set for decider

Having lost their last six ODI series, Pakistan would be eyeing their first one-day series triumph since 2008.

With the Cool & Cool Cup so far producing some closely-contested matches, the decider also promises to be a cracker, with both teams yet to finalise their playing eleven.

Following their Twenty20 series victory, South Africa won the first one-dayer by eight wickets at the Zayed Cricket Stadium in Abu Dhabi.

However Pakistan hit back through an Abdul Razzaq-inspired century to claim the second ODI by one wicket.

South Africa prevailed in the third by two runs, while Pakistan clinched a one-wicket thriller on Friday, giving the series an interesting twist.

With the series tied at 2-2, Pakistan captain Shahid Afridi is confident of winning the final match in Dubai.

“I know we have never beaten South Africa in a bilateral one-day series, so that is very much the aim to achieve and the boys are determined to win this match,” Afridi told reporters.

Pakistan have lost all the four bilateral series played against South Africa. They have also lost the last six one-day series against Australia, Sri Lanka, New Zealand and England. However, their last series win was in the UAE in 2008 against the West Indies and they can draw inspiration from this point. The script also has gone in Pakistan’s favour as they have fought well in the series so far, and it is an ideal opportunity for them to rewrite their ODI record against the South Africans. “This series is a very close affair, so we need to take all our chances and if we do then we will win the series, which will be a very good achievement considering our recent record,” Afridi said.

“It’s a crunch game for us and we are looking forward to make history by winning the series decider at this stadium. The team is growing in confidence and if everything went right we can topple the South Africans. As a captain I would like to contribute in a big way and lead from the front. We are well prepared,” he said.

With their batsmen too finding form before the crucial match, Pakistan, who bowled brilliantly throughout the tournament, would fancy their chances against South Africa.

Pakistan is likely to make one change, as Umar Akmal or Shahzaib Hasan is expected to replace opener Imran Farhat.

On the other hand, South Africa are worried about the fitness of their paceman Lonwabo Tsotsobe, who is the leading wicket taker in the series.

From three matches, he picked up six wickets with an impressive average of 15.66. Pakistan fast bowler Shoaib Akhtar also bagged six wickets from four matches.

“Injury to Lonwabo is a concern but Rusty (Theron) stepped in and did well, but we hope we are in a position to field our strongest combination and everyone bowl to his potential.

“We obviously want to win the series, but you also want to see which players are available before the World Cup because this is our last chance to play on subcontinent type of pitches here,” he added. South African batting hopes would depend a lot on their captain Graeme Smith and Hashim Amla, who is the leading run scorer with 229 from four matches.

However, bowling is a big concern, especially after failing to defend a competitive target of 274 in the fourth one-dayer. With dew likely to play a part, both the captains would be keen to win the toss in the decider.

pradeep@khaleejtimes.com