KIMBERLEY  -  South Africa, who will miss the services of veterans like Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis in the ODI series due to injuries, will be led by JP Duminy for the three games, while Hamilton Masakadza will lead Zimbabwe.

South Africa have a mixture of experience and youth in their squad – veteran fast-bowler Dale Steyn makes a comeback to the limited-overs unit, while Warriors batsman Christiaan Jonker got into the 15-man squad as the only uncapped member. Dean Elgar, a regular in the Proteas Test side, last featured in South Africa's ODI side back in October 2015, but has now been drafted in the ODI squad. With the ICC Cricket World Cup 2019 on the horizon, players will want to consolidate their positions through strong performances.

Zimbabwe will rely on seasoned customers like Masakadza, Sean Williams, Brendan Taylor, and Craig Ervine for positive returns on the tour. But if the visitors are to spring a surprise, they'll need performances from more than just the experienced members.

Head coach Lalchand Rajput will want his team to improve on their last tour of South Africa was in 2010/11, where they were whitewashed by the hosts with a 3-0 scoreline.  JP Duminy has all-round skills with the bat and ball and the Proteas skipper will be their main player going into the ODI series. With three centuries and a batting average of 94.71 against Zimbabwe, the 34-year-old will be the batting linchpin for South Africa. His contribution with the bat will be crucial to their cause, whereas his decision-making with respect to the selection of the playing XI as well as the bowling changes on the field will determine the outcome of the match.

Bredon Taylor, the wicket-keeper batsman, is an integral part of Zimbabwe's batting order and has been in good touch off-late. He scored a brilliant 138 against the Windies in March and will be their main batsman against the Proteas in the first ODI.  The weather conditions are expected to stay optimal throughout the game, with no forecast for rains for the day. The pitch at Diamond Oval is generally conducive for batting.

SQUADS:

SOUTH AFRICA: Jean-Paul Duminy(c), Reeza Hendricks, Imran Tahir, Christiaan Jonker, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Willem Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Dale Steyn, Khaya Zondo, Dean Elgar

ZIMBABWE: Hamilton Masakadza(c), Solomon Mire, Craig Ervine, Brendan Taylor, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Donald Tiripano, Kyle Jarvis, Brandon Mavuta, Richard Ngarava, Tinashe Kamunhukamwe, Wellington Masakadza, Ryan Murray, Tendai Chatara.