ODI World Cup 2023: South Africa's strongest predicted playing XI against Pakistan

In the 26th match of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, South Africa (SA) is set to face Pakistan (PAK) at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 27. South Africa enters this game on a high note, following their impressive 149-run triumph over Bangladesh.

Quinton de Kock, the Proteas' wicketkeeper-batsman, stands as the top run-scorer in the tournament, amassing an impressive 407 runs in just five innings, featuring three centuries. South African batters have contributed six out of the 19 centuries so far in this year's Cricket World Cup, with Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, and Aiden Markram also delivering remarkable performances.

Here's South Africa’s Predicted XI against Pakistan:

Openers: Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C)

Quinton de Kock, the standout performer, began the tournament with back-to-back centuries, followed by two less successful innings. However, he made a significant impact with an impressive 174-run innings against Bangladesh, showcasing his solid form. In five innings, De Kock has accumulated 407 runs at an average of 81.40 and a strike rate of 114.97.

After sitting out in the last two matches due to illness, Temba Bavuma is poised to rejoin the playing eleven against Pakistan. His recent batting performances for South Africa have been underwhelming, but his expertise against spin suggests he could prove valuable on the turning pitch.

Middle order: Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen

Rassie van der Dussen has been a reliable presence for South Africa during the tournament, notably contributing 60 runs against England. With a total of 199 runs to his name, including a century and a half-century, he remains a key figure in the team's lineup. Despite a recent low score against Bangladesh, his ability to anchor the innings allows other batters to play freely alongside him.

Acting as the stand-in captain for South Africa, Aiden Markram has proven to be a significant contributor in the middle order. He admirably led the team in Temba Bavuma's absence, commencing the tournament with the fastest World Cup century. Markram continued to make a valuable impact with a well-executed 60-run innings against Bangladesh.

David Miller holds a crucial role within the team, known for his capability to rescue South Africa from challenging situations. With 138 runs in the tournament, the left-handed batsman's proficiency against spin bowlers could prove advantageous when facing Pakistan. Miller's straightforward approach involves capitalizing on suitable deliveries to dispatch the ball for six.

As per assessments from former cricketers, Heinrich Klaasen stands out as the most formidable middle-order batsman in the tournament. His unstoppable form is a challenge, with the primary strategy being to dismiss him swiftly or prepare for a captivating display. Following a remarkable 61-ball century against England, Klaasen emerges as the major threat to Pakistan.

Also Check: Most Runs in ODI World Cup 2023

All-rounder: Marco Jansen

Marco Jansen, positioned at No. 7, demonstrated his batting prowess in the match against England with impressive unbeaten 75-run innings, showcasing his ability to dispatch bowlers around the park. This performance boosted his batting confidence. Furthermore, Jansen's dual impact extends to the bowling department, where he has already secured ten wickets in five games, particularly excelling at taking early wickets.

Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi

Kagiso Rabada continued his form against Bangladesh by taking two crucial wickets and securing early breakthroughs during South Africa's target defense. With ten wickets in five innings at an average of 21.90, his performance holds significance and can be a key factor against Pakistan.

Keshav Maharaj, the team's specialist spinner, excels in the middle overs as a precise bowler. While not known for a significant spin, his consistent line and length consistently trouble batters. His primary responsibility will be to contain runs in the middle overs and contribute by taking important wickets with his bowling.

Lungi Ngidi plays a vital role in the team's bowling attack. He has been South Africa's most economical bowler in the tournament, with six wickets at an impressive economy rate of 5. Against a somewhat less formidable opponent on Friday, Ngidi aims to further enhance his statistics. Left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi is likely to take the field in the upcoming game in place of Gerald Coetzee.

Also Check: Most Wickets in ODI World Cup 2023

South Africa's Predicted XI:

Quinton de Kock (WK), Temba Bavuma (C), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Lungi Ngidi, Tabraiz Shamsi