Jarred by the humiliating 124 runs loss against India on Duckworth-Lewis Method in Sunday’s rain-affected clash, restless Pakistan would be aiming to bounce back against ICC’s World No. 1 ranked South Africa in their all-crucial game of Group B of 2017 ICC Champions Trophy at Edgbaston in Birmingham on June 7.
While aiming to transform under the leadership of aggressive wicket-keeper batsman Sarfraz Ahmed, the team has a dismal record in ODIs, Pakistan in their tournament opener looked bleak in both batting and bowling department, as they conceded 72 runs in final four overs following limited options available to the side when their premier bowlers limped off the ground.
In response, Pakistan’s innings was wrapped up in 33.4 overs on 164 for nine, as their only bright prospect with the bat seemed to be former skipper Azhar Ali, who posted a half-century.
Adding to the miseries, left-arm pacer Mohammad Amir was struggling with cramps during the bowling in his ninth over before Wahab Riaz twisted his ankle on his follow-through, as he was eventually ruled out of the eight edition of the ICC Champions Trophy.
Overview:
While coming to chase down the target against formidable India, Pakistan opener after a cautious start, lost the momentum against India, as they went on to lose wickets at regular intervals which further exposed the side again while failing to go after the bowlers in a run-chase.
However, Pakistan bowlers have a task to cut out against Proteas top-order batsmen which have availed the services of southpaw Quinton de Kock and senior campaigner Hashim Amla, who has been a batting prodigy for the South Africa which further is comprised of skipper de Villiers, David Miller and Faf du Plessis.
Pakistan would be hinging on their senior campaigners Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed, as Ahmed Shehzad is highly unlikely going into another all-important game. It’s the unpredictability that makes Men in Green a threat for the opponents like South Africa which is bolstered with fast bowling line-up.
However, there was some sparks and aggression which was witnessed in the very first over of the match otherwise there was no match between the two Asian giants in cricket, as Indian batters came hard at the bowlers which have a history of doing well.
Talking Points:
In their opening game against India, Sarfraz Ahmed decided to bowl owing to the overcast conditions which didn’t backfire only, but they were robbed off by their poor fielding, as one is expecting a couple of changes in the side.
With left-arm fast bowler Junaid Khan being rested for the marquee clash against India which further added a surprise for what head coach has admitted his fault for picking Wahab Riaz over the 27-year-old Swabi-born pacer.
It would be interesting to see whether Pakistan management would include bowling all-rounder Faheem Ashraf against South Africa, as Junaid becomes an ideal option for a skipper to go with.
The right-handed promising prospect Babar Azam, who has played a significant role for Pakistan, in the recent past, has failed to be among runs against India, as he has scored 15-ball eight.
The youngster Azam would be aiming to score runs against South Africa, as the Pakistani batsmen would be tested shorter deliveries. However, they have the capability of seeing-off World No. 2 bowler while having a traditional history of playing spin well.
Pakistan has been inconsistent with the bat and with the addition of youngsters in the squad, their task would be more difficult, as they have the rich history of making a comeback after receiving battering in the initial phase of the tournament.
Moreover, rookie leg-spinner Shadab Khan, who did well in his first ICC Champions Trophy match, is expected to remain in the Playing XI considering the fact that the Proteas have been struggling against slow bowling department.
After bowlers leaked runs which further witnessed a brain fade from Sarfraz Ahmed, Mohammad Hafeez would roll over his arm – to expect best results for the side.
Here’s the predicted XI of Pakistan:
Azhar Ali, Ahmed Shehzad/Haris Sohail, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali/Fahim Ashraf and Junaid Khan