ICC World Cup 2023, PAK vs SA | Five Player Battles To Watch Out For
Pakistan have lost three games in a row
The M.A Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is primed to host a high-voltage contest in Match 26 of the ICC World Cup 2023.
The high-flying South African team will lock horns with a Pakistan side seeking momentum. As South Africa aims to solidify its top contender status, Pakistan seeks a resurgence to reignite its campaign.
PAK vs SA: Player battles to watch out for
Pakistan's journey in the tournament has been a roller-coaster. Starting on a high with victories over the Netherlands and Sri Lanka, they were subsequently ambushed by India, Australia, and in a surprising turn of events, Afghanistan. The Afghan defeat spotlighted their vulnerabilities, casting doubts over their title aspirations.
In stark contrast, South Africa has emerged as a cricketing behemoth. Barring an unexpected stumble against the Netherlands, they've clinically dismantled Sri Lanka, Australia, England, and Bangladesh. Their holistic approach to the game makes them a massive challenge for any opposition.
Amidst this, the individual battles will play a crucial role in determining the outcome of the game. Here are the top five PAK vs SA player battles.
Quinton de Kock vs Shaheen Afridi
Shaheen Afridi [AP]
South African dynamo Quinton de Kock will face the young Pakistani pace spearhead, Shaheen Afridi. In their previous meetings, de Kock has scored 69 runs off 75 balls, but Afridi has managed to send him back to the pavilion twice. With de Kock's aggressive intent against the new ball and Afridi's ability to swing it early, this promises to be a mouth-watering contest.
Imam-ul-Haq vs Lungi Ngidi
Lungi Ngidi (Twitter)
Pakistan's dependable opener, Imam-ul-Haq, is set to be tested by the fiery pace of Lungi Ngidi. In their past face-offs, Imam has scored 47 runs from 46 balls, being dismissed once. Given Ngidi's liking for seam movement and Imam's solid technique, this promises to be an exciting battle of patience and skill.
Rassie van der Dussen vs Hassan Ali
Rassie van der Dussen (Twitter)
South Africa's middle-order linchpin, Rassie van der Dussen, will be up against the skiddy pace of Hassan Ali. Their previous interactions have seen van der Dussen scoring 36 runs off 55 balls with one dismissal. Ali's variations against van der Dussen's adaptability will be a critical contest.
Babar Azam vs Kagiso Rabada
Babar Azam [AP]
Babar Azam, the mainstay of Pakistan's batting, will be challenged by South Africa's premier fast bowler, Kagiso Rabada. Babar has managed 85 runs from 109 balls, falling to Rabada only once. However, he hasn’t been able to score feely off the South African pacer. The elegance of Babar pitted against Rabada's pace and aggression ensures that fans are in for a treat.
Heinrich Klaasen vs Shadab Khan
Heinrich Klaasen (Twitter)
Heinrich Klaasen, despite falling to Shadab Khan the only time they faced each other, comes into this game brimming with form, especially against spin. With Klaasen's recent knack for launching spinners, and Shadab's leg-spin skills, this promises to be a clash of strategy and brute force.
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