In the World Cup 2023, the Babar Azam-captained Pakistani team is keen to rebound after a disheartening loss to neighbouring Afghanistan in their recent encounter.
As the World Cup 2023 progresses, a beleaguered Pakistani side is set to challenge the revitalised Proteas at the renowned MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.
Currently, South Africa is enjoying the second position in the points table, boasting 8 points from 4 matches with a net run rate of +2.370. A triumph against Pakistan might enable Temba Bavuma’s squad to surpass India, positioning them as the tournament’s leaders.
On the contrary, Pakistan, positioned sixth, has managed 4 points from 5 matches. A net run rate of -0.400 reflects their consecutive losses to teams such as India, Australia, and Afghanistan. To have any hope for the semi-finals, Babar Azam and his men not only have to clinch victories in their subsequent matches but also rely on other game results.
Wondering where to tune in for the Pakistan vs South Africa face-off?
The match between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled for live telecast on Star Sports channels in India. Indian cricket aficionados can stream it live on the Disney+Hotstar app and its official portal. Additionally, Meta has collaborated with ICC to ensure enthusiasts can catch World Cup 2023 updates across platforms like Instagram, WhatsApp, Facebook, and Threads. The contest is slated to begin at 2 PM.
A Glimpse into the Pakistan vs South Africa Rivalry:
Historically in ODI face-offs, South Africa has been the dominant force against Pakistan. Of the 82 matches they’ve played, South Africa has emerged victorious in 51, compared to Pakistan’s 30 wins, with one match concluding without a result.
Pakistan, crowned champions in 1992, are currently facing turbulence in the World Cup, their initial two victories marred by three subsequent dominant defeats to India, Australia, and Afghanistan.
Conversely, South Africa has recovered from an unexpected setback against the Netherlands and is on a four-match winning streak, eyeing a place in the semi-finals.
In their last ten encounters, Pakistan has tasted victory in six, including a notable win at Lord’s in the 2019 World Cup by 49 runs.
South Africa’s batting prowess is evident, having scored more than 350 in three matches. Notably, in three games, they’ve amassed runs of 137, 143, and 144 in the concluding 10 overs.
With four matches left in the group stage, Pakistan remains in contention for the semi-finals, though the path ahead is narrow.
Aside from a victory in their upcoming match, enhancing their net run rate, currently at -0.40, is crucial for Pakistan, as it might be the determining factor in their semi-final aspirations.
World Cup 2023 Team Squads:
Pakistan: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (w/k), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim.
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (w/k), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Lizaad Williams.
