ICC World Cup 2019: Match 30, PAK vs SA – Pakistan Predicted Playing XI

All of Pakistan players struggled against India, apart from Mohammad Amir in the bowling department and that good partnership between Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman during the run chase. Their middle order once again showed no mettle or fight, which sent their fans into a meltdown.

With just three points in five games, Pakistan stand exactly in a similar position to where they were in the 1992 World Cup after five games. The only disappointment is their horrendous net run-rate, which could turn out to be decisive in the end. By winning all the remaining game, they can make a very strong case to qualify and they do have games against teams where their performances have historically been better.

South Africa are in a much more precarious situation coming into this fixture and in the past, they haven’t responded well when the pressure was high on them. Pakistan could consider themselves favorites going into this one, but the chances of this game going down the wire are plenty.

Openers – Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq

It looked like Fakhar Zaman was about to repeat his heroics against India in Manchester, but he could only manage 62 runs. Apart from that, he has looked very lacklustre and timid with the bat, much to the disappointment of his skipper. The swashbuckling left-hander needs a big score to get going and Pakistan always do better when he is in good touch.

Imam-ul-Haq has scored just 106 runs in the tournament which includes one half-century. His career thus far has followed a pattern – a string of low scores followed by a brilliant hundred to shadow the former. If that is set to continue, this game or the next one will witness a big inning from his willow.

Middle Order – Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed (C & wk)

Babar Azam hasn’t lived up to the promise, just like the two openers. Their fans expect him to get big hundreds every now and then, but his only notable contributions came against England and India, where he squandered great chances to register a century.

Mohammad Hafeez’s form has been fluctuating as well, but he is timing the ball well and has batted aggressively in the time he spent at the crease. Sarfaraz Ahmed always has a set way of approaching the innings and loves playing second-fiddles to someone who is in full flow. He has 115 runs to his name in the tournament.

All-rounders – Imad Wasim, Haris Sohail

Haris Sohail could make his way into the XI to replace the under-performing veteran Shoaib Malik. The 30-year-old played just one game in the tournament and could find a few more games with Asif Ali and Shoaib Malik struggling for runs. This is one great chance for him to seal his place till the tournament ends.

Imad Wasim was decent with the ball against India, kept it very tight and allowed no room for the batsmen. They couldn’t work him away very easily and he needs to be compact once again. He spent some time in the middle with the bat as well in Manchester, registering 46 off 39 balls.

Bowlers – Shadab Khan, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Amir, Wahab Riaz

Shadab Khan will continue to partner Imad Wasim and Haris Sohail in the spin department. Pakistan need him to bring his A-game, which has come out thus far only in some phases. Hasan Ali could get axed after his horrendous performance against India and Mohammad Hasnain is expected to replace him.

Wahab Riaz and Mohammad Amir have been the thin ray of hope for the men in green this tournament. Wahab got smashed in a couple of games, but Mohammad Amir has been consistently picking wickets and already has 13 scalps to his name. Both these players could give a hard time for the South African batting line-up.