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

The road going forward for South Africa in this World Cup promises very little apart from an improbable mathematic possibility. Cricket is a lot more than just mathematics and it will come as a huge surprise if the Proteas manage to break their way into the top four by bringing down one of the present top four – Australia, India, New Zealand and England.

They had their moments in the game against New Zealand and in hindsight, they would repent losing it more than any other game. Some half chances didn’t go their way and they registered their fourth defeat in six games. From here, they can garner a maximum of nine points by the end of their group games and currently England have 8 points with three games remaining and India have seven points.

Their opponents for this game also have suffered a similar fate. Pakistan are coming into this fixture after a humiliating defeat at the hands of arch-rivals India. They look down on morale as well, which makes this a contest between two even teams. A defeat would definitely kill their aspirations in this tournament and a win too doesn’t promise anything significant.

Openers – Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla

Quinton de Kock has registered two fifty-plus scores in this tournament but has struggled in the big games. His mode of dismissals have been very concerning and is repeating some silly mistakes against quality bowlers. If he can get through the new ball phase against the quality Pakistan speedsters, he can lineup for a big score.

One of the very greats in the modern game, Hashim Amla got going against Afghanistan and scored a fifty against New Zealand as well. He looks a bit too cautious, which is understandable as he’s coming into this tournament on the back of some very poor performances. South Africa need his quality against the Pakistani bowlers to see off the powerplay phase.

Middle order – Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller

Aiden Markram is having a poor run in the tournament but the promise he has shown in the last 12-15 months is keeping him in the team. Rassie van der Dussen has been their best batsman in the tournament without any doubts and the 30-year-old has to continue piling up runs at any cost.

Faf du Plessis came into this tournament in great form and looked brilliant against England in the opening game, but he hasn’t been playing the same old free-flowing cricket, which is a clear indication that he’s succumbing to the pressure. David Miller can’t expect more chances in the middle order and the management will be considering JP Duminy if he fails in this game.

All-rounders – Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris

Phehlukwayo looked clueless with the ball against New Zealand and was poor with his execution. He has the talent to trouble batsmen with the ball but is a little short on confidence, just like most of his teammates. He chipped in with a couple of cameos with the bat as well.

Chris Morris was not even a part of the squad but was roped in after Anrich Nortje was ruled out. It turned out to be a blessing in disguise as no other bowler apart from him looks competent enough to pick wickets. He’s more than handy with the bat as well, making him one of the players to watch out for in this fixture.

Bowlers – Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi

Lungi Ngidi has recovered from his injury and bowled brilliantly against New Zealand, despite his figures not reflecting a similar opinion. The Pakistani openers haven’t been in the best of form and he’ll look to capitalize on it. Kagiso Rabada doesn’t look as threatening as he did before the tournament started and that has affected South Africa significantly.

Imran Tahir is continuing his good form from the IPL into the big tournament. He’s picked up 8 wickets thus far in 6 games and his economy has been sensational (5.06). His performance in the last game against New Zealand wasn’t very impressive, although he had some moments he couldn’t pick any wickets.