Pakistan, who were outplayed in all departments against India in their previous game, will aim for improved performance as they face a must-win situation against South Africa at Lords, London. The match will be played on 23rd June and will be live from 3:00 PM IST.
After producing contrasting results in their first two matches, Pakistan’s performance has slipped in their last two games. While a batting failure handed them a 41-run defeat against Australia, lack of intensity and consistency in all the three departments resulted in an 89-run defeat against their arch-rivals, India. Mohammad Amir is one of the leading wicket-takers in the tournament but not a single Pakistani bowler apart from him has bowled well. The batting too, barring the game against England, has failed on a consistent basis. Repeated failures of their experienced middle-order batsman Shoaib Malik might mean that Pakistan considers Haris Sohail for a spot in the playing eleven on Sunday.
Player To Watch Out For – Mohammad Amir
Another error-filled performance by South Africa against New Zealand ensured that any dreams of a South African comeback were quickly put on hold. Dropped catches, missed run-outs, edges not reviewed, and half-chances that were not converted all allowed New Zealand to chase down a tricky total against South Africa. While their bowlers have troubled the opposition in each of the previous three occasions, the batsmen have failed to give them enough runs to play with. The Faf du Plessis-led side will look to produce performances similar to that of their series win against Pakistan earlier this year when they take the field on Sunday.
Player To Watch Out For – Quinton De Kock
Pitch Report
This is the first match at the venue and if the domestic One-Day Cup is concerned, the pitch was a decent one for batting. This being the first game, the surface could be a good one for batting and if the sun comes out, the spinners might enjoy as well.
Probable Line Ups
Pakistan – Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & WK), Shoaib Malik/Haris Sohail, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz, Hasan Ali/Mohammad Hasnain.
South Africa – Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock (WK), Faf du Plessis (C), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir.
PlayerzPot XI
PlayerzPot Prediction
South Africa has the longer batting lineup while the bowling unit for both sides nearly cancels each other out. South Africa will be able to win this match and extend Pakistan’s misery.
