Birmingham: In-form South Africa will look to seal a spot in the semi-finals of the ICC Champions Trophy cricket tournament, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back after being annihilated by India in their Group B match at Edgbaston here on Wednesday.
Pakistan lost their opening game by 124 runs to India through Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method in a rain-affected match. This must-win clash against South Africa will need Pakistan to produce a much improved performance to keep their hopes alive in the tournament.
Pakistan bowlers operated with wrong length against India and their batsman failed to mount a challenge. The poor fielding efforts only added to their all-around woes. Pacer Mohammad Amir and opener Azhar Ali are the only players who clicked in the opening game.
Pakistan will most likely play without their frontline left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz for the rest of the Champions Trophy, who picked an ankle injury in the game against India. Left-arm pacer Amir’s fitness is also a matter of concern after he had to go off the field with cramps but he should be fine in time to take his place in the playing side.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf, batsman Fakhar Zaman and left-arm pacer Junaid Khan are the possible players most likely to come into the Pakistan side.
South Africa are coming off a brilliant all-round performance against Sri Lanka and will look to continue momentum against Pakistan.
With the likes of Hashim Amla and Faf Du Plessis in the batting department and leg-spinner Imran Tahir in the bowling, the Proteas will look to push with an all-round attack against Pakistan.
Meanwhile, Pakistan’s Rumman Raes has been approved as a replacement for the injured Wahab Riaz at the ongoing Champions Trophy one-day tournament in Britain, the International Cricket Council announced on Tuesday.
Wahab suffered a tournament-ending ankle injury during Pakistan’s crushing 124-run defeat by title-holders India in their opening match at Edgbaston on Sunday. (Agencies)
