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| Red-hot South Africa look to break 24-year jinx against teetering Pakistan |
As one campaign unfolds, another gathers full steam – a recurring narrative for Pakistan and South Africa throughout much of ICC tournament history. While South Africa often emerges as one of the most formidable sides in the early stages of these tournaments, Pakistan tends to stutter and stall until they've left themselves with no margin for error, only to then roar into life. This upcoming fixture, strategically positioned at a crossroads in the World Cup group stages, adds an extra layer of tension for South Africa and cautious optimism for Pakistan.
South Africa enters this World Cup with the ambition to create history, while Pakistan faces the risk of being consigned to it. The ferocious brilliance of South Africa, coupled with clinical effectiveness, has lent them a steel and ruthlessness that they've often been accused of lacking. Although the team might appear slightly light on batting depth with Marco Jansen at seven, their top six have been in exceptional form, and only the Netherlands have managed to penetrate that line-up after significant damage had already been inflicted.
South Africa acknowledges room for improvement in their bowling, an unusual concern for a side where no bowler has ended up wicketless in any of their five games so far. While the pace battery and spin attack have excelled at dismantling top orders, they've encountered difficulties in dismissing the lower order in almost every game. Though the batsmen have provided enough cover for Temba Bavuma's side not to be overly troubled, this issue was responsible for their sole defeat against the Netherlands when the opposition reached 245 for 8 after losing their seventh wicket at 140.
However, when compared to Pakistan, these are considered cricket's equivalent of first-world problems. Pakistan has more pressing concerns than lamenting a victory margin of 229 over the defending champions instead of the coveted 300 runs. After a shaky start to the tournament, resulting in two wins in their opening matches, Pakistan has now suffered three consecutive defeats, including a heavy eight-wicket loss to Afghanistan. Their usually lethal pace attack has appeared historically toothless, with Sri Lanka, India, Australia, and Afghanistan all capitalizing on their bowling weaknesses.
While their batting has shown occasional promise, the top order, which typically provides the core of their runs, has weakened. Abdullah Shafique has been a shining light with both style and substance, but with Fakhar Zaman injured and Babar Azam losing his characteristic trait of relentless accumulation, the middle order has been exposed more than anticipated. Shadab Khan's poor form with the ball has raised questions about his place in the side, affecting the batting order as well. The pressure of each game being a knockout situation intensifies, and history, rather than quality, seems to be the only reason Pakistan might hold onto hopes of advancing.
The PCB itself seems to recognize the writing on the wall, issuing a statement urging fans to continue supporting the team while pointing fingers at under-fire captain Babar and chief selector Inzamam-ul-Haq for the team selection.
In contrast, South Africa eyes glory. The two resplendent green-clad sides could not appear more different from each other at this moment.
Form Guide:
Pakistan: LLLWW (last five completed matches, most recent first)
South Africa: WWLWW
In the Spotlight - Babar Azam and Marco Jansen:
Babar Azam, despite his recent struggles, remains Pakistan's best batter and leader. His form is critical for Pakistan's success. Facing South Africa's formidable attack, Pakistan's fortunes are closely tied to Babar's batting prowess.
Marco Jansen, known for his exceptional all-round skills, has had a remarkable World Cup, excelling with the ball and showcasing his batting abilities. His ability to swing the new ball and extract extra bounce, along with his effectiveness in the lower order, makes him a key player for South Africa.
Team News - Bavuma and Fakhar Return:
Fakhar Zaman has been cleared to play, potentially displacing Imam-ul-Haq in the lineup. Hasan Ali's absence due to fever opens the door for Mohammad Wasim Jnr.
Pakistan Lineup (likely): 1 Abdullah Shafique, 2 Imam-ul-Haq/Fakhar Zaman, 3 Babar Azam (capt), 4 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Iftikhar Ahmed, 7 Shadab Khan, 8 Usama Mir, 9 Mohammad Wasim Jnr, 10 Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11 Haris Rauf
Temba Bavuma returns to lead South Africa, and Tabraiz Shamsi replaces Gerald Coetzee, providing extra spin.
South Africa Lineup (likely): 1 Temba Bavuma (capt), 2 Quinton de Kock (wk), 3 Rassie van der Dussen, 4 Aiden Markram, 5 Heinrich Klaasen, 6 David Miller, 7 Marco Jansen, 8 Keshav Maharaj, 9 Tabraiz Shamsi, 10 Kagiso Rabada, 11 Lungi Ngidi/Lizaad Williams
Pitch and Conditions:
The pitch is expected to be faster than the typical Chennai surface. A slight chance of passing showers exists, but a full game is likely.
Stats and Trivia:
- Hasan Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi are on the cusp of reaching 100 ODI wickets.
- South Africa holds a 3-2 lead against Pakistan in ODI World Cups.
- Quinton de Kock is one century away from matching AB de Villers for the most World Cup hundreds for South Africa.
Quotes:
"I think we have underperformed, in all three matches. We haven't underperformed this way before. We know that we are not playing good cricket. But our team has bounced back from this situation before and, hopefully, we will come out of this situation."
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