South Africa still favourites to take the series

Pakistan may have hit back well to win the second match in the five-game one-day international series, but South Africa remain favourites to take series glory, with bet365 making them 4/6 (1.66) to come out on top.

Pakistan began a new era after the retirement of Inzamam-ul-Haq, who will take some replacing and, despite their series-levelling win, it will take a big effort from the home side to stop South Africa from repeating their series win of their last tour, in 2003.

The tourists have that perfect balance between aggression and nous with some classy batsmen and fine bowlers. Shaun Pollock, who didn't play in either of the two Tests as South Africa thought he would not be that effective, has already boosted their bowling line-up, showing why he is still one of the world's best one-day bowlers.

Paul Harris has offered them something extra with his spin and their batting is strong all the way through, led by the brilliant, and consistent Jacques Kallis. His three centuries and one fifty in four innings went a long way towards securing the Test series win and he will be the one Pakistan have to stop.

South Africa have now won six of the 12 one-dayers they have played in Pakistan, including three of the past five and they will be absolutely full of confidence after their Test win. They also will not be put off by Pakistan's inconsistency. Some sides find it difficult to cope when they don't know what to expect from their opposition but South Africa will not be upset from their own rhythm.

Pakistan are a very capable one-day side, though, and they could easily win the series, which is why there is little between the two in the betting. They will be boosted by the return of Shahid Afridi, while Sohail Tanvir, Imran Nazir and Yasir Hameed have also been recalled.

Their recent home record has not actually been that good - winning just four of their past 10 games, but they are very talented and I will certainly not write them off yet, especially when Mohammad Yousuf is in the kind of form which brought him his century in the second match.