Pakistan would have been bitterly disappointed after suffering a huge loss against India in their first match of the Champions Trophy.
They looked to be behind the eight ball in all three disciplines – be it batting, bowling or fielding – and will need to improve massively if they are to beat a strong South African side in this encounter.
“We were below par. It’s as simple as that. And it’s a reality check of where we are in our one-day cricket at the moment,” coach Mickey Arthur said after the defeat to India.
With Wahab Riaz ruled out of the tournament due to an ankle injury, Junaid Khan is expected to come into the playing eleven.
Pakistan Team practice session at Edgbaston Cricket Ground pic.twitter.com/h3uKfOB7kx
— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) June 6, 2017
South Africa will be high on confidence after registering a comfortable win against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Hashim Amla starred with the bat, notching up his 25th ODI century which was followed by a fine bowling performance from Imran Tahir who was named the Player of the Match after picking up four wickets for 27 runs in 8.3 overs.
What was also impressive in the Proteas’ performance was their fielding display, led by captain AB de Villiers who took a brilliant one-handed catch and then brought about a run-out which turned the match on its head.
Ranked number one in the world in the 50-over format, they will hope to keep the momentum going.
Gloomy day in Birmingham. Indoor centre run around for the squad 🏃 #CT17 pic.twitter.com/bd22YkvT3b
— Cricket South Africa (@OfficialCSA) June 5, 2017
Date: June 7, 2017 (Wednesday)
Time: 16:30 GST, 13:30 local, 12:30 GMT, 18:00 IST, 17:30 PKT
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
TV: UAE – OSN Sports Cricket HD
Full coverage on Sport360.com.
PROBABLE PAKISTAN XI: Azhar, Zaman, Azam, Hafeez, Malik, Sarfraz (c, wk), Imad, Shadab, Amir, Hasan, Junaid.
PROBABLE SOUTH AFRICA XI: Amla, de Kock (wk), du Plessis, de Villiers (c), Duminy, Miller, Morris, Parnell, Rabada, Morkel, Tahir.
SPORT360 MATCH PREDICTION: South Africa go into the match as favourites. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to produce something special if they are to get a positive result here.
