For the Proteas, it is their first 50-over game in a year and one month after claiming a 3-0 series white-wash over Australia in South Africa.

In the most recent series between the two teams, Pakistan beat South 2-0 in the Tests and 2-1 in the T20 Internationals.

The Proteas will most certainly that a level of confidence out of last years’ series, but, it is a different team and opponent as two 13 months ago.

Proteas coach, Mark Boucher, says the middle overs will be important, especially while fielding.

“We want to be the guys who make the play rather than sit back and wait for a play.

“We’ve spoken about it and hopefully you will see a couple of quicks being nice and aggressive and pick up wickets in the middle period.

“I think that is probably where you win games in international cricket nowadays.

“We’ve got the firepower and the spinner to be able to do that, in that period of the game. So, hopefully, that happens.”

The 1st ODI starts at 10:00 on Friday morning, while on Sunday the 2nd game will be played at the Wanderers.

@MorganPiek OFM Sport