CWC 2019: PAK vs SA Preview – Struggling sides face battle for survival
The Mecca of cricket will have its first taste of the World Cup as two struggling teams will face off against each other with their hopes hanging by a thread. Both Pakistan and South Africa have been largely unimpressive throughout their campaigns and a defeat in the match will surely be a final nail in the coffin for both the sides.
Pakistan were played out of the park in their high-profile encounter against India, which extended their losing streak against their eternal rivals. South Africa on the other hand, faced a big heartbreak as Kane Williamson’s masterclass left their remote chances of qualifying for the semis in tatters. When these two sides take to the field at Lord’s, it will be nothing short of a do-or-die situation for them.
Match Info
Pakistan vs South Africa, 30th Match
Lord’s, London (3:00 pm IST)
Head-to-Head
Played – 78
Pakistan wins – 27
South Africa wins – 50
N/R – 1
Team News
Pakistan
After their crushing defeat India, the local media back in the country were up in arms, calling for the heads of many players. The captaincy of Sarfaraz was particularly called into question, with the many head-scratching decisions which he made during the match. He will be under immense pressure with each and every of his move being closely analysed. While the batting department failed spectacularly, the much-heralded pace attack was also under-par. Apart from Mohammad Amir, they did not seem to possess the penetration to trouble the batters. The whole unit collectively will need to have a quick turnaround if they want to stay alive in the tournament.
South Africa
The Proteas have looked all around but have still failed to find the answers to their woes. They are struggling in all the departments of the game. Their batting looks behind the times in the modern art of explosive hitting in ODI cricket. Their bowling department too has looked devoid of potency. See through Kagiso Rabada and the opposition batsmen more often than not find a way to score quick runs. The experienced heads in the squad have looked out of touch and the younger guys seem to lack the quality to trouble the top players in international cricket. It is difficult to see which player in their ranks will really emerge as a genuine match-winner and they might have to depend on the power of the collective, to eke out a victory.
Key players
Mohammad Amir (Pakistan): Pakistan’s star performer with the ball in the tournament, the onus will again be on the left-arm pacer to deliver the goods. South Africa’s top order has looked susceptible throughout the tournament and it will be a big challenge for them to counter the man who already has 13 wickets.
Faf du Plessis (South Africa): In a high-pressure situation, it will be up to the skipper to deliver the runs. Du Plessis is having a subdued tournament so far but has a decent record against Pakistan. Since 2015, he has scored 181 runs against the Men in Green in 5 innings at an average of 60.33.
Probable XI
Pakistan: F Zaman, Imam ul Haq, B Azam, M Hafeez, S Ahmed (wk & c), A Ali, S Khan, I Wasim, W Riaz, M Amir, M Hasnain.
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), H Amla, A Markram, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, D Miller, A Phehlukwayo, C Morris, K Rabada, L Ngidi, I Tahir.
