Pakistan and South Africa have met at the ICC World Cups five times. The Proteas emerged victorious thrice while the Asian side won on two occasions. When they meet in Chennai on Friday, one is fighting to stay alive in the tournament while the other is in red-hot form.
Babar Azam will be keen to find some inspiration and that exclusive piece of Pakistani magic when his team squares off against a formidable South Africa in a do-or-die game of the World Cup here on Friday. One more defeat and knock-out doors will be shut on Pakistan.
On the other hand, Quinton de Kock Heinrich Klaasen and Aiden Markram have together made South Africa a tremendous team. After a shock defeat to the Dutch, the Temba Bavuma-led side bounced back in style and look hungry for more. As the two 'green' teams of the tournament meet, here are a few things that fans will be interested to know.
Pakistan vs South Africa Weather Forecast: Rains are unlikely in Chennai on Friday, reports suggest. Chepauk is expected to witness a cloudy day with temperatures settling around 32 Degrees Celcius. A significant 71% humidity is predicted and the weather will clear up as the game enters the second innings, reports said.
South Africa vs Pakistan Pitch Report: Traditionally a spin-friendly track, seam bowlers will find assistance under lights with the new ball. Thus, the biggest weakness for Pakistan at the Chepauk will be the lack of quality spinners. Understandably, playing leg-spinner Usama Mir in both games has backfired and with an economy rate of over 8, he might not get another game. Having a left-arm spinner like Mohammed Nawaz will hardly solve their problem as he is neither a restrictive option nor a wicket-taking one.
South Africa Playing XI (probable): Quinton de Kock, Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen(W), David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pakistan Playing XI (probable): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(C), Mohammad Rizwan(W), Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Usama Mir, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf
Stay tuned to The Week for more updates.
