World ODI Cup 2023

Match 26: PAK vs SA 

Preview 

With three consecutive defeats putting his captaincy at stake, Babar Azam will be eager to find inspiration and ignite his team's Pakistani magic as they face a formidable South Africa in a crucial World Cup match. Another loss would mean the end of Pakistan's campaign, and Babar, already under pressure, could lose his captaincy. The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) acknowledged the significance of the match and urged fans, former players, and stakeholders to support the team and help them make a triumphant comeback in the tournament.

Pakistan now faces the challenge of winning all their remaining matches and hoping for Australia to stumble in at least two of their four games. Pakistan's unpredictability in cricket is well-known, with the team capable of brilliance one day and disappointing performances on other days, leaving their fans bewildered.

Pakistan needs a gutsy and exceptional performance against a strong South African team, who have been dominant despite their surprising loss to the Netherlands. Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, and other South African batsmen have been in excellent form, while Pakistan's batting approach has left them struggling halfway through the league stage. The disparity in boundary-hitting between the two teams is evident, with South Africa hitting significantly more fours and sixes compared to Pakistan. Pakistan's batsmen have even failed to hit a six in the Powerplay across multiple games.

In terms of bowling, Pakistan has faced challenges. Shaheen Shah Afridi has struggled to consistently produce his trademark deliveries, and Haris Rauf's effectiveness in 50-over cricket has been questioned. Hasan Ali lacks penetration, and it might be worth considering alternatives such as Zaman Khan or Muhammad Wasim Junior to add variety. Pakistan's biggest weakness at the Chepauk stadium will be the lack of quality spinners. Usama Mir's inclusion in the previous games has backfired, and Shadab Khan has been below par. The team lacks a potent spinner who can be both restrictive and take wickets.

In contrast, South Africa is in a better position and a win in this match would significantly boost their chances of qualifying for the semi-finals. The team has been performing well, with opener Quinton de Kock in exceptional form as the tournament's leading run-scorer. Their pace bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Gerald Coetzee have been impressive, posing a tough challenge for the Pakistani batsmen on the slow Chepauk pitch. Keshav Maharaj's control and economy rate have been valuable in the middle overs.

In head-to-head records, South Africa holds a 51-30 advantage over Pakistan in 82 matches.

Match Details

Match: PAK vs SA, 26th Match, World ODI Cup 2023

Date: Friday, October 27, 2023

Time: 2:00 PM

Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Pitch and Weather Report

The MA Chidambaram Stadium at Chennai offers a balanced surface throughout the game and provides adequate support to both batters and bowlers. The average first innings total at this venue is 249 runs. The team winning the toss should opt to bowl first. 

The temperature forecast during matchday is 30 degree celsius. 

PAK vs SA Squads  

PAK: Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim for Pakistan 

SA: Temba Bavuma (c), Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Andile Phehlukwayo, Keshav Maharaj, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen, and Lizaad Williams.

PAK vs SA Probable Playing XIs

PAK: Babar Azam (C), Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel, IU Haq, Iftikhar Ahmed, SH Khan, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), S Afridi, Haris Rauf, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali

SA: Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, David Miller, Aiden Markram (C), Marco Jansen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Heinrich Klaasen, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Lizzaad Williams

Match Prediction

South Africa is on a roll in this tournament. Barring the game against the Netherlands, the Proteas have hardly put a foot wrong in the five matches they have played so far. Pakistan, on the other hand, has blown hot and cold. They started the competition strongly with two wins in their opening two matches but have struggled ever since. With three losses in their last three games, the Shaheens are precariously placed at fifth position in the points table. 

Our prediction: Pakistan to win this game. 

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