South Africa look to seal series at tricky Kingsmead
The preview for the fourth ODI between South Africa and Pakistan in Durban
Match facts
March 21, KingsmeadStart time 1000 local (0800GMT)
Big Picture
The series has reached its crossroad. Either it will be decided in Durban - in which case South Africa will seal a trophy and begin to change perceptions about the venue being a hoodoo ground - or Pakistan will further rubberstamp that theory and take a still-alive contest to Benoni on Sunday.Form guide
South Africa: WLWWL (most recent first)Pakistan: LWLLW
Players to watch
Every few months, Graeme Smith's name comes up as a candidate for the chop in South Africa's limited-overs teams and every time it happens, he responds with a decent score. It's happened again, with his 116 against New Zealand forgotten in the shadows of the 30, 10 and 3 he has notched up in the series so far. What is more noticeable than a lack of runs is his increasing uneasiness against Pakistan's opening bowlers. He has never been an attractive player and often wills his way to big scores, and the stage is set for that to happen again.Team news
Faf du Plessis has been ruled out of the series with a lower back problem which will present an opportunity to either David Miller, who was already in the squad or Quinton de Kock, who was brought in. It's far likelier that Miller will play ahead of de Kock. Kyle Abbott may be called on to play at his home ground in place of either Rory Kleinveldt or Lonwabo Tsostobe. Morne Morkel, who still recovering from his hamstring strain, was spotted having a long stint in the nets on the match eve, so a return for him cannot be ruled out either.Pitch and conditions
Mention Durban and two things come to mind: un-South African conditions and rain. At least only the former is expected to make an appearance in this match. The surface will be slower than any other venue that has been used in the series so far and it is said to favour opposition more than it does the hosts. South Africa will mindful of changing that perception and the weather should play its part in allowing them to do that. A clear, sunny day is forecast for Durban with no precipitation.Stats and trivia
- Pakistan hold the record for the highest innings total at Kingsmead. Their 351 for 4 in the 2006-07 season included Shahid Afridi's score of 77 off 35 balls and they beat South Africa by 141 runs
- The last time South Africa won two consecutive ODIs in a series was more than a year ago, when they beat New Zealand 3-0 in February-March 2012
Quotes
"When you miss key players in important games, it's a loss but it tests your depth as a squad, which is important going into the Champions Trophy in England."Robin Peterson speaks for both teams who arrive in the twilight of the series with a spate of injury concerns
AB de Villiers is pleased with the progress South Africa have made
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo's South Africa correspondent