South Africa skipper Faf Du Plessis is looking forward to the challenge posed by Pakistan during the five-match ODI series — which starts today – as he believes that the Men in Green are a much better outfit in the 50-over format of the game.

South Africa whitewashed Pakistan during the recently concluded three-match Test series but the Proteas captain is expecting a stiff challenge during the ODI series.

"Pakistan is a very good one-day side and probably they would be the first to say that from a performance point of view, their one-day team is much stronger. It will be a nice challenge for us," Du Plessis said during a pre-match press conference.

Du Plessis also pointed out the importance of spinners during the series while also helping them prepare for the 2019 World Cup in England and Wales.   

“Over the next five games, certainly the spinners will have their say. Pakistan is a very good batting team against spin, so it will be a nice challenge for our spinners,” he said. “I'm hoping over the next five or 10 games our two spinners, and we're very lucky to have two good spinners, will have a good equal opportunity to just keep working on their games and making they're getting themselves ready for the World Cup."

The first ODI of the five-match series will take place in Port Elizabeth on Saturday, January 19.