Pakistan and South Africa face off in a high stakes World Cup clash at Chennai’s Chepauk Stadium. Pakistan must win to keep semi-final hopes alive, while South Africa wants to seal a spot in the final four.
Historically, South Africa dominates this ODI rivalry with a 51-30 win record. However, in World Cups Pakistan won their previous two meetings in 2015 and 2019. With in-form batters like de Kock, Markram and Rizwan on show, fans expect a thrilling contest.
Pakistan have underperformed so far while the Proteas have been largely impressive. Pakistan’s bowling lacks penetration while their batting is over-reliant on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. South Africa boast a powerful top order and a fiery bowling lineup.
But Pakistan will draw confidence from their World Cup wins over the Proteas. Overall, a pressure-cooker atmosphere awaits as two talented yet unpredictable teams clash.
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Pakistan Overview
Pakistan entered the World Cup as dark horses but are struggling after three straight losses. Their inconsistent batting has failed to post daunting totals beyond 300. Skipper Babar Azam looks tentative while fringe players like Iftikhar Ahmed haven’t stepped up.
The bowling also lacks incisiveness on placid pitches. Spinners Shadab Khan and Usman Qadir have been ineffective containing runs. Pace ace Shaheen Afridi has blown hot and cold. Hasan Ali and Haris Rauf have struggled.
The sole shining light has been wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan with 300 runs. Pakistan needs its biggest match-winners like Babar, Afridi and Shadab to ignite. With their campaign unraveling, Pakistan must show steely resolve under pressure.
South Africa Overview
Barring an upset loss to the Netherlands, South Africa have lived up to their pre-tournament billing as contenders. Their batting unit led by de Kock looks formidable with four 400+ run scorers already.
Aiden Markram looks a leader capable of tactical nous. Rassie van der Dussen and David Miller provide class and firepower. Their bowling attack of Rabada, Nortje and Jansen has speed and penetration.
Spinner Keshav Maharaj has been economical in the middle overs. All-rounders like Andile Phehlukwayo and Marco Jansen lend balance. The Proteas just need to guard against complacency and keep intensity levels high.
With most boxes ticked, South Africa will fancy their chances of going deep into the tournament. They just need to stay focused against unpredictable sides like Pakistan.
Pakistan vs. South Africa Starting XI
Expected Starting XI for Pakistan:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Babar Azam (c)
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Saud Shakeel
- Iftikhar Ahmed
- Shadab Khan
- Usama Mir
- Shaheen Afridi
- Hasan Ali
- Haris Rauf/Muhammad Wasim Jnr.
Expected Starting XI for South Africa:
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Reeza Hendricks
- Rassie van der Dussen
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Heinrich Klaasen
- David Miller
- Marco Jansen
- Gerald Coetzee
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Lizaad Williams/Tabraiz Shamsi
Pakistan should retain their top order of Rizwan, Babar, Shan Masood and Iftikhar Ahmed. The struggling Haris Sohail may make way for the power of Asif Ali. Bowlers Afridi, Rauf and Hasan Ali will be key.
South Africa should stick to their winning combination. De Kock and Markram have been standouts alongside Van der Dussen, Miller and Klaasen. Bowling trio of Rabada, Nortje and Jansen will aim for early Pakistan wickets.
See the confirmed starting lineups below an hour before the match starts.
Pakistan vs. South Africa Head-to-Head
In 82 ODI meetings, South Africa dominates Pakistan with a 51-30 win record and one no result. This includes a 27-16 advantage when playing in South Africa.
However, in World Cup clashes, Pakistan edges the head-to-head 3-2 from their five meetings. This includes winning their last two World Cup matches in 2015 and 2019.
South Africa won their first three World Cup matches against Pakistan in 1992, 1999 and 2007 convincingly. But Pakistan turned it around in 2011 and 2015 with tight wins. Their last World Cup clash saw Pakistan restrict South Africa to just 259 and win by 49 runs.
With the World Cup stage bringing the best out of Pakistan, they will fancy repeating these wins over the Proteas. But South Africa look a much more well-rounded unit this time. Overall, the head-to-head makes for fascinating reading.
Weather & Pitch Report
The match will be played at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium. The weather is clear for game day with temperatures around 30 degrees Celsius.
The Chepauk pitch assists spinners and is expected to be dry and turn as the game progresses. Teams batting first have struggled here in ODIs with average first innings score being 233.
Batting is trickier against the older ball, so chasing remains the favored option. Dew may play a role though.
With spin crucial, both teams will look to attack in the powerplay. Batters capable of using their feet against spin will thrive. Run scoring won’t be easy in the later overs.
Considering the pitch, the team that bats sensibly to post around 270-280 can defend it successfully. Overall, a low to moderate scoring thriller seems likely.
PAK vs. RSA Prediction
South Africa will start as favorites in this must-win match for Pakistan given recent form and historical dominance. Their batting led by Quinton de Kock and Aiden Markram looks more reliable while Rabada and Nortje provide bowling firepower.
However, Pakistan can’t be written off in high stakes World Cup matches where they usually rise to the occasion. Batters like Babar, Rizwan and Iftikhar have the class to deliver match-winning performances. Afridi and Rauf could find rhythm and exploit South Africa’s batting frailties.
Overall though, South Africa appear the more settled unit currently. Pakistan’s over-reliance on Babar and Rizwan remains a concern. Unless Pakistan produces its best cricket under pressure, South Africa should prevail in what promises to be a thriller.
But Pakistan will take confidence from tasting World Cup success over the Proteas before. Expect a pulsating contest with South Africa as marginal favorites for now.
Pakistan vs. South Africa Betting Tip
With Pakistan desperate for runs, Babar Azam seems due for a big inning. Back their skipper to top score with around 80-90 runs. His class makes him a strong contender for Man of the Match too.
For South Africa, focus on Quinton de Kock continuing his dream run. Expect another 60+ score from the swashbuckling opener.
Among bowlers, Shaheen Afridi could exploit the Chepauk surface. He will be boosted after grabbing 4 wickets last game. Back him to be Pakistan’s top wicket-taker.
For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada loves bowling upfront with the new ball. Expect him to blow away Pakistan’s top order early on.
Considering South Africa’s batting prowess, the match should produce 270-280+ runs. Bet on the Proteas successfully defending their total as they have quality spinners too.
With Pakistan’s campaign on the line, this promises to be an edgy, high-stakes encounter. Back South Africa given their balance and form. But Pakistan could provide huge odds as unlikely winners.
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