Today, there’s a crucial match in the 2023 World Cup between Pakistan and South Africa. For Babar Azam’s team, this match is a “do or die” situation because if Pakistan loses this match, they will be out of the World Cup. In order to keep their hopes alive for the semi-finals, Pakistan must defeat South Africa in any case.
Pakistan’s Record Against South Africa in World Cups
Pakistan has an impressive record against South Africa in World Cups. For the past 24 years, in any format of the World Cup, Pakistan has not lost to South Africa. The last time South Africa defeated Pakistan was in the 1999 World Cup. Pakistan had exciting victories against South Africa in the 2015 and 2019 World Cups.
Potential Changes in the Pakistan Team
Pakistan’s star fast bowler, Haris Rauf, has been struggling in this World Cup. He has consistently underperformed. Therefore, there’s a possibility that Mohammad Wasim Junior might get a chance in today’s match. Additionally, Fakhar Zaman could make a comeback in the team in place of Imam-ul-Haq. Agha Salman might also get an opportunity in place of Saud Shakeel.
Pakistan’s Knack for Turning Things Around
While Pakistan hasn’t shown exceptional performance in the 2023 World Cup so far, this team has a knack for turning things around. It’s hard to predict when Pakistan might win or lose. However, South Africa’s current form suggests that Pakistan’s team has a tough task ahead of them. In this World Cup, Pakistan has delivered disappointing performances in bowling, batting, and fielding.
Potential Playing Eleven for Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman/Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (Captain), Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper), Agha Salman/Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz/Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Wasim Junior.
Potential Playing Eleven for South Africa: Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper), Temba Bavuma (Captain), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Lizaad Williams/Tabraiz Shamsi.