In what promises to be a thrilling encounter in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, South Africa and Pakistan will lock horns at the iconic Chepauk Stadium on the 27th of October. The match holds tremendous significance for both teams, setting the stage for a high-stakes battle
Historically, South Africa has had the upper hand in their previous encounters, boasting three victories out of five meetings. However, what adds an intriguing layer to this clash is Pakistan’s recent success against the Proteas in the World Cup. They’ve emerged victorious in the last two World Cup encounters.
For the Proteas, this match represents a golden opportunity to assert their dominance and climb to the top of the points table. Victory here would solidify their credentials as genuine contenders for the World Cup title.
On the other hand, this is a must-win situation for Pakistan. A defeat could significantly impact their chances of progressing further in the tournament. Their resilience and determination will be put to the test.
Team Preview
South Africa
The Proteas’ journey in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 has been a rollercoaster ride indeed. After a shocking upset against the Netherlands, they have displayed a strong resurgence and won back-to-back matches against England and Bangladesh, displaying their dominance.
In their previous encounter, where they batted first, South Africa’s batsmen were nothing short of ruthless, amassing a formidable 382 runs on the board. Their exceptional run rate of 11.8 in the death overs underscores their ability to accelerate when it matters most.
On the bowling front, the Proteas’ bowlers have been in fine form, efficiently controlling the Bangladeshi batsmen, with the exception of the sensational Mahmudullah, who blazed his way to a century. Still, the Proteas managed to win by 149 runs. They will be hoping to maintain their winning streak against Pakistan and further solidify their position in the tournament.
Pakistan
The current ICC Cricket World Cup edition has indeed been a nightmare for the Pakistani team. They have lost 3 consecutive matches. It’s disheartening for both players and fans as they have faced difficulties in all aspects of the game, be it batting, bowling, or fielding.
The fact that their spinners went wicketless on a pitch like Chepauk is particularly concerning, considering the historically spin-friendly conditions of the venue. The situation is now quite dire for Pakistan, and to keep their World Cup hopes alive, they must secure victories in upcoming matches.
As they prepare for this crucial encounter, the Pakistani team will be seeking a turnaround in their performance, hoping to regain their form and confidence. The challenges they face in this World Cup edition are difficult, but in the game of cricket, the tide can turn swiftly.
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan: Imam-Ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Gerald Coetzee, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi
Pitch Report
The Chepauk Stadium, known for its tendency to assist spin bowlers traditionally, has shown a different side in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. Surprisingly, it has been equally welcoming to pacers, with 31 out of 50 wickets in the tournament being claimed by fast bowlers. This shift in conditions has added an interesting dimension to the matches held here.
Despite the assistance for pace bowlers, batting on this pitch remains a challenging task. Batsmen need a great deal of patience and the ability to build their innings steadily before accelerating in the latter stages. The pitch’s behaviour suggests that it can be tough to score freely early on.
In terms of match results, out of the four games played at Chepauk in this World Cup edition, three have been won by the chasing team. Still, the toss is expected to have minimal impact on the outcome of matches at Chepauk in this World Cup.
Pitch stats since 2015 –
- Total Matches Played – 8
- Matches Won Batting First – 4
- Matches Won Batting Second – 4
- Average First Innings Score – 269
- Average Runs Per Over – 5.14
Players To Watch Out For
Quinton De Kock
After two consecutive underwhelming performances, De Kock made a scintillating comeback in the most explosive manner possible. In the match against Bangladesh, he unleashed his full potential, crafting a magnificent innings of 174 runs from just 140 balls. It was his third century in this World Cup.
With an impressive tally of 407 runs in just five matches, De Kock is now the highest run-scorer of ICC World Cup 2023. He always had his reputation as a “choker” in ICC tournaments. However, in this World Cup, De Kock has shattered that perception, revealing his true destructive prowess on the grandest stage of them all.
As South Africa prepares for their critical encounter against Pakistan, De Kock is expected to continue playing a pivotal role. His ability to provide explosive starts and build substantial innings makes him a vital asset, and his recent form suggests that he’s ready to take on any challenge.
Gerald Coetzee
Gerald Coetzee, the emerging star for the Proteas, is undoubtedly the X-factor in their bowling arsenal. His blend of pace, accuracy, and the ability to make crucial contributions has been a revelation in this World Cup.
In the tournament so far, Coetzee has showcased his immense talent, taking 10 wickets in just four matches at an impressive average of 22.2. He has the ability to strike at regular intervals and maintain control over the opposition’s batting line-up.
As South Africa prepares to face Pakistan in the upcoming match, Coetzee’s role becomes even more crucial. His youthful exuberance and burgeoning talent make him a key component of the Proteas bowling attack. With his potential to rip apart the Pakistani batting lineup, he can be a game-changer.
Babar Azam
Babar Azam, the Pakistani skipper, is undoubtedly a key player in the upcoming match against South Africa. Despite a challenging start in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023, he showcased his class and resilience by scoring a crucial 74 off 92 balls in the previous encounter against Afghanistan.
Babar’s record against the Proteas is indeed eye-opening. His tally of 523 runs at an impressive average of 65.4 and a strike rate of 89.6 highlights his ability to consistently perform against South Africa. It’s clear that he relishes the challenge of facing the Proteas.
As Pakistan faces South Africa on the Chepauk pitch, Babar’s role becomes even more vital. His ability to build substantial innings and lead the team to a significant total is crucial. The conditions at Chepauk could favour his batting style, and his performance can significantly impact the outcome of the match.
PAK vs SA Dream11 Team for Match 26 of 2023 WC
Note: This is not our final Dream11 Team as we are not aware of the Toss Result/Final Playing XI of both teams at this moment.
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