World Cup 2023 | PAK vs SA, Match 26 - Top Captain and Vice-captain Picks

image-lo7g1k6zQuinton de Kock has been in brilliant form in World Cup 2023 (Source: AP Photos)

Pakistan (PAK) and South Africa (SA) square off against each other in the ongoing sixteenth edition of the World Cup. The 26th match is all set to take on Friday, October 27, 2023, at MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai at 2:00 PM IST. The Proteas are flying as they have been dominant so far with four victories in five outings while the Men in Green have now lost three games on the bounce. Before the match goes live, here is a look at the top captain and vice-captain choices for the fantasy contests of this fixture.


PAK vs SA, 26th Match: Venue Analysis

The surface at MA Chidambaram Stadium offers the spinners a lot of help. Sides batting second have had more success so far in this campaign.

MA Chidambaram Stadium ODI Records

Matches: 27
Matches Won Batting First: 15
Matches Won Batting Second: 11
No Result: 1

Average First Innings Total: 244
Average Second Innings Total: 219

World Cup 2023 Record

Matches: 4
Matches Won Batting First: 1
Matches Won Batting Second: 3

Average First Innings Total: 253
Average Second Innings Total: 218
Highest Total Recorded: 288/6 by New Zealand vs Afghanistan
Lowest Total Recorded: 139/10 by Afghanistan vs New Zealand


PAK vs SA, 26th Match - Toss Factor

The Chennai track is known to assist the spinners. Chasing sides have won three out of the four games played at the venue in this WC as the captain winning the toss will look to field first.

Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

Shaheen Afridi is the leading wicket-taker while Mohammad Rizwan is the leading run-scorer for Pakistan so far in this WC. The duo will be crucial for their side escpecially with wicketkeeper batter Rizwan in a big run-chase. Skipper Babar Azam has scores of 50, 18 and 74 in the last three games and he also has a good record against the Proteas in this format.

Scenario: If South Africa Fields First

South Africa pacers Kagiso Rabada, Gerald Coetzee and Marco Jansen have all picked up ten wickets each in this campaign. The trio will look to continue picking up wickets and bundle the Pakistan side out early. With over 400 runs so far, wicketkeeper batter Quinton de Kock will again hope to give his side a strong start in a run-chase.


PAK vs BAN, 26th Match - Top Captain and Vice-captain choices

Scenario: If South Africa Fields First

Quinton de Kock (SA)

Left-handed opening batter Quinton de Kock has been in scintillating form so far in this WC. The 30-year old has hammered 407 runs at an average of 81.40 in five innings which includes three magnificent centuries. The opener has struck the most runs overall in this campaign and will look to carry on his purple patch.

Rassie van der Dussen (SA)

No. three batter Rassie van der Dussen has close to 200 runs at an average of 40. The right-hander has hit one century and one half-century so far. van der Dussen would hope to play a crucial role at no. three against quality Pakistan bowling attack.


Scenario: If Pakistan Fields First

Mohammad Rizwan (PAK)

Mohammad Rizwan has smashed the fifth most runs in this WC. The right-handed middle-order player has 302 runs to his name at an average of 75.50 with one ton and one fifty. After bagging a single digit in the last game, Rizwan is due for a good score in this tie.

Babar Azam (PAK)

After scores of 5 and 10 in the first two matches, captain Babar Azam has struck two half-centuries in the next three. The profilic Pakistani skipper has looked in good touch in these last three fixture and will like to contribute for his side against the Proteas. Babar also has a very good ODI record against the Rainbow Nation.


PAK vs SA, 26th Match - Big Risk, Big Return Choices

Saud Shakeel (PAK)

After hitting a half-century (68) in Pakistan's opening game, Saud Shakeel has got starts in almost every game. With scores of 31, 6, 30 and 25, the left-handed middle-order player is a risky but worthy choice.

David Miller (SA)

David Miller has struck 138 runs in five innings at an average of 46.00 with no fifty to his name. The left-handed batter has scores of 39*, 17, 43, 5 and 34* under his belt. He could turn out to be a good pick for this contest.