ODI World Cup 2023, Match 26: Pakistan vs South Africa Match Preview

After enthralling the fans with several memorable matches in the first half of the event, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will move to its second half as Pakistan (PAK) and South Africa (SA) will take on each other in Match 26 on Friday, October 27 at MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. Both teams are in contrasting states heading into the game as South Africa have won their previous two matches against England and Bangladesh.

On the other hand, Pakistan have lost their last three fixtures against India, Australia and Afghanistan. The Proteas started their campaign with dominant wins against Sri Lanka and Australia but were blown away by the Netherlands in their third fixture. They once again made a brilliant comeback by beating England and Bangladesh in back-to-back games to get their campaign back on track.

Meanwhile, Pakistan started the tournament with back-to-back wins against the Netherlands and Sri Lanka. However, their campaign got a massive hit as they registered their eighth consecutive defeat against arch-rivals India in their ODI World Cup history. Things got worse for the Babar Azam-led side as they lost against Australia and Afghanistan and took a massive hit to their net run rate.

Also Check: ODI World Cup 2023 Most Runs

Pakistan cannot afford to lose anymore going forward and will need to win each and every game to stay alive in the semifinal race. On the other hand, South Africa are comfortably sitting on the second spot with four wins from five matches with a healthy net run rate of +2.370. The upcoming fixture will be crucial for both sides as they will be eager to get valuable two points on the board.

PAK vs SA Pitch and Conditions

Chennai has traditionally presented a spin-friendly surface and it has been no different in the ongoing tournament as well. Out of the last five matches played at the venue, three have been won by teams batting second. The average first innings score has been 256 while the highest target chased is 283. Captain winning the toss is likely to bowl first keeping the recent results of the venue in mind.

PAK vs SA Probable Playing XIs for ODI World Cup 2023, Match 26

Pakistan (PAK)

Pakistan might think about benching Shadab Khan whose performances has been below par in the tournament so far and bring in Mohammad Nawaz in his place if he’s fit for the game.

Predicted XI: Imam ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz/Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf

South Africa (SA)

South Africa will be looking to bring in Temba Bavuma at the top of the order if the Proteas captain is fit for the game. They might also bring in Tabraiz Shamsi into the team due to the favourable spin conditions at the venue.

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

PAK vs SA Head-to-Head in ODIs:

PAK vs SA Broadcast Details:

Also Check: ICC World Cup 2023 Points Table