The Proteas head into the series on the back of a disappointing 2-1 T20 International series defeat, despite winning the opening game in Rawalpindi.

Once again, the Proteas are far from full-strength, with several star players, including Kagiso Rabada and Aiden Markram, not featuring in the series, while Matthew Breetzke takes over the captaincy.

The 27-year-old Matthew Breetzke will captain South Africa  - Cricinfo

Furthermore, it’s a venue largely unknown to this group of Proteas, apart from maybe one or two who have previously competed in the Pakistan Super League. It will be the first ODI in Faisalabad since 2008, which adds to the challenge for the South Africans - but this is also the nature of the game, and adapting will be key.

Meanwhile, the team will have to make do without the big-hitting Dewald Brevis. Brevis sustained a low-grade shoulder muscle strain during the 3rd and final T20I in Lahore and is en route back to South Africa for rehabilitation. A replacement is yet to be announced.

With a tour to India not too far away, the Proteas will want to put up a strong showing, while also building on their depth ahead of the 2027 ICC Cricket World Cup, which will be hosted in South Africa.

Speaking ahead of the series opener, Breetzke stressed the importance of adapting, especially as the conditions are unfamiliar.

“We don't have much stats on this ground - obviously, there hasn't been much international cricket played here,” said the Warriors batter.

“So, I think for us, it's going to be about adapting quickly to the conditions. We'll have to assess the first 10 overs with the bat and ball, and then take it from there.”

Matthew Breetzke - Cricinfo

Breetzke added that while the T20Is were tough, they did provide an opportunity to formulate plans for the 50-over format, and now it’s a matter of executing on the field.

“It was obviously pretty challenging in the T20s; however, that’s given us a good idea of how to approach the ODI series,” Breetzke said.

“We chatted today in the batters’ meeting about plans for their bowlers and strategies like that.

“We've had a lot of success in this format, so we’ve got our plans, but again, it's about adapting to the conditions early and then making a play from there.

All-rounder George Linde  could have a big role to play with his spinners and power-hitting - Cricinfo

“Obviously, we are missing the core group of ODI players that we usually have. So, in saying that, it gives an opportunity for the younger guys to step up. It’s going to be challenging - we know that.

“But we're looking forward to it, and whether it plays a role or not, I don’t know; we’ll have to see in the next couple of games. But we’re definitely up for it.”

Play between Pakistan and the Proteas at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is scheduled to get underway at 12:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport