ICC World Cup 2019 Match 30, Pakistan v South Africa: Preview, likely XIs, predictions

The World Cup is all set to finally arrive at Lord’s, and it is going to be an intense contest among two semi-final contenders. With their backs to the wall, Pakistan and South Africa will look for those all-important two points that will keep them alive in the tournament. A defeat is likely to eliminate either side.

Despite languishing at ninth spot, Pakistan can take heart from the fact that their matches against the big three – England, Australia, and India – are out of the way. It is going to be an uphill task, but then, Pakistan have been there, done that in the past. They have even taken down England here.

South Africa, on the other hand, had lost their first three matches before thrashing Afghanistan before their fielding let them down – an occurrence incredibly rare – against New Zealand. It is still not all over for them, but time is running out quickly.

Of late, both sides have depended heavily on their top order for runs. Some of their failure in the tournament can be assigned to failure of their respective top threes. On this day at Lord’s, it may come down to whose top three comes off better against quality bowling units.

All in all, this is going to be a gripping contest, and given what is at stake, the match is likely to witness some heat.

Head to head

With a 50-27 lead, South Africa have almost been twice as prolific in clashes. They have surprisingly met only 4 times in World Cup, of which South Africa have won 3 – but Pakistan have won the most recent one, in 2015.

South Africa also hold a 2-1 lead on English soil, having won in the 1999 World Cup and the 2013 Champions Trophy but losing in the 2017 Champions Trophy.

Key players

Mohammad Amir (Pakistan): With 13 wickets at 13.07, Amir is the joint third highest wicket-taker in the 2019 World Cup. The fact that his teammates have combined to take 14 wickets highlights his importance in the side further. And Amir, as we know, has more than that to prove at Lord’s.

Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa): So good has been van der Dussen that his tournament average of 60 has actually brought his career average down. While he is yet to get an ODI hundred, he has failed to cross 15 only once. His scores here – 50, 41, 22, and 67* – indicate this consistency. It is time to take things to the next level.

Likely XIs

Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Amir.

South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Faf du Plessis (c), Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Imran Tahir, Lungi Ngidi.

Prediction

A tough call, but Pakistan’s show against England may just give them an edge.