World Cup 2023, Match 26 | South Africa Predicted XI vs Pakistan
South Africa will be playing against Pakistan in the 26th match of the World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)
The 2023 World Cup is in full swing, and match 26 will see Pakistan face-off South Africa in the iconic M. Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai. This will be the sixth match for both sides and is slated to commence at 2:00 PM IST.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has lost impetus following their defeat to India. It was an unpleasant awakening for Babar Azam and his troops, and they are yet to rebound with a victory. After winning the first two games of the season, they lost three in a row- against India, Australia and Afghanistan. They are ranked fifth in the points standings, with four points in the bank.
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South Africa has been in terrific form this season. The batting unit has been a nightmare for the opposition bowlers as they have put more than 300 runs on the board in four of their five matches. Currently, they have four wins from five games and are stationed at the second spot with eight points in the kitty.
New Zealand and the Proteas have the same number of points, but their net run rate of +2.370 has maintained them ahead. Their lone setback came at the hands of the Netherlands, who made history by thrashing them for the second time within a span of 365 days.
In a recent development, Temba Bavuma is heard to be fit to play. So in that scenario, how does the predicted XI of South Africa look against Pakistan? Let's us have a glance.
Openers: Temba Bavuma and Quinton de Kock
Quinton de Kock seems to be ending his ODI career just the way he kickstarted a decade back. He has the most tons in the ongoing World Cup i.e. three. The southpaw's latest ton came against Bangladesh where he stocked 174 runs off 140 balls. Having amassed 407 runs from five innings, de Kock is currently leading the 'most runs' section in the World Cup.
South Africa may also see a major change in their playing XI as Temba Bavuma has recovered from illness and is fit to be back in the side. This means Reeza Hendricks could make way for the South African skipper. Hendricks scored a fabulous 85 off 75 balls against England and it would be harsh on him.
Middle Order: Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller
South African middle order batting has been one of the brute forces in the tournament. Rassie van der Dussen is in good shape- struck a ton and a fifty in the competition thus far. Heinrich Klaasen is in scintillating form, blew a century against England and followed it up with 90. He has notched up 288 runs from five innings and is the second highest run-scorer for Proteas men in World Cup 2023.
David Miller is yet to fire all guns blazing in this tournament. Actually, the other batters did so well that it kept someone like Miller's calibre silent. The cricket fraternity is well aware of the southpaw's ability and he will be an integral part of the XI.
All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj
Aiden Markram is the third highest run-scorer for South Africa in the World Cup with 264 runs from five innings. Out of the five innings, Markram has gone past the score of 40 for four instances. No doubt he can bag wickets with his right arm off break.
Marco Jansen has been terrific with the ball in hand. He has claimed a couple of wickets in each game of the tournament so far. Jansen also showed his batting prowess against England by whacking 75 runs off 42 balls. He is succeeded by Keshav Maharaj in the batting order. The left-arm orthodox spinner has been their primary spin weapon and can bring up quickfire with the willow too.
Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee and Lizaad Williams
Kagiso Rabada is the leading wicket-taker for the Green and Gold with ten scalps from five innings. He has the ability to bowl with the new ball as well in the middle and slog overs. Lizaad Williams was spotted in the last game of South Africa and they would look to retain him as the bowler bagged a brace.
When it comes to raw pace, Anrich Nortje is a big miss in the marquee event for South Africa. But someone who has filled his shoe really well is Gerald Coetzee. He has been brilliant during the second and third powerplay and has the knack for wickets. Henceforth, the Proteas may go with Coetzee as their third pure seamer.
South Africa predicted XI vs Pakistan
Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee, Tabraiz Shamsi
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