South Africa suffers six consecutive losses
South Africa's men's ODI team has suffered six consecutive losses, with the latest defeat inflicted by Pakistan in Karachi on Wednesday. Pakistan won by six wickets with six balls to spare, and South Africa failed to defend a target of 352/5 – their highest target defended in ODIs.
Pakistan's successful chase of 355/4 is their highest ever, and it was anchored by a partnership of 260 off 229 between Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman. This is Pakistan's highest partnership against South Africa and their highest against any opponents batting second.
South Africa will face Afghanistan in the Champions Trophy on Friday, followed by Australia and England in the coming days. England and Australia have also lost their recent ODIs, while Afghanistan has won their last two games, including a 2-1 series win over South Africa in September.
Despite the losses, coach Rob Walter remains unperturbed. Seven of South Africa's finest players will join the team for the Champions Trophy, and Walter sees the Tri-Nations series as an opportunity to test new talent. Matthew Breetzke, for example, made 150 against the Kiwis on Monday and 83 in Wednesday's game, but he won't be part of the Champions Trophy squad as it was announced a month ago.
Walter and his players have experienced a lack of wins before major tournaments, such as the T20 World Cup last year where they reached the final. A win in the Champions Trophy would erase the memory of the recent losses.
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