South Africa will look to continue winning runs as they face Pakistan at M Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai on 27th October 2023. It promises to be an exciting contest as Proteas will create an impact with another superb performance and put one step closer to the semi-final stage.
On the other hand, Pakistan suffered a huge 8-wicket loss to Afghanistan at the same venue. Hasan Ali has been ruled out of the match as Mohammed Wasim Junior will replace him. It will be a do-or-die match for Babar Azam and Co to stake a claim in the top 4 stages.
Both teams have quality players that can change the course of the game with their abilities. South Africa is currently 2nd at the points table while Pakistan slipped down to 6th after Sri Lanka’s win over England.
Here we look at the 5 Players To Watch Out For
- Quinton de Kock
The dashing wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock continued his dream run with a special 174 runs knock against Bangladesh. He looked steady as SA lost 2 early wickets to Hendricks and Dussen.
He looked in great touch putting pressure on the Bangladesh bowlers. After completing his century, de Kock upped the ante smashing them to all parts of Wankhede Stadium, Mumbai. He is currently the leading run-getter in the tournament. During the 2019 match against Pakistan, de Kock made 47 off 60 deliveries.
De Kock has a brilliant record in ODIs against Pakistan with 566 runs from 15 matches ( 15 innings) including 1 century and 2 half-centuries to his name including the best score of 112. He would look to provide an attacking start in the first 10 overs that would put enough pressure on the Pakistan bowlers and help South Africa register victory.
- Babar Azam
The Pakistan captain Babar Azam registered his first fifty of this tournament against Afghanistan. He came to the crease after Imam and Abdullah added 56 runs for the first wicket. Babar showed intent against pacers but struggled against the top-quality spinners of Afghanistan. He played a brilliant knock against South Africa in the 2019 World Cup match scoring 69 off 80 deliveries.
He has a decent record against South Africa in the ODI format with 523 runs from 10 matches ( 10 innings) including 1 century and 3 half-centuries including the best score of 103. His role is to provide stability at number 3 laying a strong foundation to help Pakistan register much-needed victory.
Babar Azam needs to play a captain’s knock at a good strike rate and hope to put pressure on the South African bowling attack coming at number 3.
- Aiden Markram
Aiden Markram looked impressive in the previous match against Bangladesh. He came to the crease with South Africa losing 2 wickets early. His batting showed class taking singles and hitting occasional boundaries that helped the Proteas to build on the score.
He has a disappointing performance in ODIs against Pakistan with just 83 runs from 4 matches including the best score of 39. Coming at number 4, Markam looked impressive and would be looking to do the same in tomorrow’s match against Pakistan.
Markram plays the spinners well and would be looking to prove his worth on a pitch that might have turn. He failed to contribute many runs dismissed cheaply for just 7 runs in the 2019 edition of WC.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
Pakistan’s spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi looked out of rhythm in the previous match against Afghanistan. He picked 1 wicket during 8 wicket loss as Afghanistan bowlers put enough pressure on him.
His performance against South Africa in ODIs has been decent enough with 13 wickets from 8 matches at an economy of 5.73 runs per over and best figures of 3 for 44. He would play a key role in picking early wickets in the first 10 overs that will put pressure on the South African batting lineup. He was able to pick only 1 wicket against South Africa during the 2019 edition.
Pakistan struggled in the tournament picking early wickets and would be eager to prove his worth which would help the 1992 World Champions stay alive in the tournament.
- Shamsi
The South African team might include Shamsi as the second spinner along with Keshav Maharaj. He did not play the previous match against Pakistan on a pitch that helped the batters.
He would play a key role in the middle overs to stem the flow of runs and keep picking wickets that would not allow Pakistan to post a big total. Shamsi picked a total of 5 wickets in 4 ODI matches at an economy of 6.72 runs per over including best figures of 3 for 56.
Shamsi would be hoping to prove his worth on a pitch that will help the spinners and help South Africa inch closer to the semi-final spot.
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