The tournament forms an integral part of South Africa’s preparations for the upcoming ICC Champions Trophy, which will also be played in Pakistan. Apart from facing the Black Caps, South Africa will also be in action against the Pakistan.

While they will play the series without a host of their key players, they do have their captain, Temba Bavuma, on tour. The players that will only head to Pakistan on 14 February are Marco Jansen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, and Rassie van der Dussen.

The coach, Rob Walter, said he has a lot of confidence in Bavuma’s form and mental space.

Rob Walter - Morgan Piek

“If you’re Temba Bavuma, you’re probably in the best place you’ve been in with regards to your cricket.

“He’s played unbelievable cricket for South Africa over a period of time now. He’s been batting incredibly well. I think, from a batting point of view, it obviously gives him an opportunity to be out in the middle, competing in conditions that he’ll be confronted with in the Champions Trophy.

“Some more competitive edge-type stuff is going to sharpen him up. You saw in the Test matches, with not a huge amount of time to prepare, what did he go and do? He’s a warrior.

“He’s mentally stronger than a lot of people out there, and I’m confident he’ll step up and deliver for the team. I’ve got no concerns around Temba in that space.”

“And as a leader, he’s shown himself in the leadership space as well – captaining the team to the World Test Championship final. So, for me, it’ll be about stepping into the One-Day format, understanding what the requirements are in this format of the game, and sharpening up in terms of game plans. Just being clear about what our plans might look like through the different phases of the game.

“These tri-series games will give him an opportunity to do that. But from a leadership point of view, there are absolutely zero concerns on my side. I know he’ll continue to do a fantastic job, like he always does.”

Monday's game between South Africa and New Zealand in Lahore will get underway at 11:00.

Morgan Piek OFM Sport