PAK vs SA: The newly renovated National Stadium in Karachi is set to host a crucial showdown between Pakistan and South Africa in the Pakistan Tri-Nation Series, serving as a key preparation for the 2025 Champions Trophy.
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Pakistan and South Africa will face off in the final league match of the ongoing tri-series on Wednesday in Karachi. Both teams suffered defeats to New Zealand earlier in the competition.
With New Zealand already securing a place in the final, this match serves as a virtual semi-final, where the winner will advance to face the Kiwis in the title showdown.
Pakistan and South Africa, both teams are coming off defeats in their opening matches against the Black Caps, making this game even more crucial for securing a place in the Tri-Nation Series final.
Pakistan’s batting faltered in their pursuit of 331 runs against New Zealand, ultimately falling short. Fakhar Zaman was the top performer, scoring 84 off 69 balls, while Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, and Abrar Ahmed made solid contributions. However, Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan had underwhelming performances and will need to rise to the occasion in this crucial must-win match.
The bowling performance was a mixed one, with Shaheen Shah Afridi taking three wickets but conceding plenty of runs, while spinner Abrar Ahmed was more economical, claiming two wickets.
Haris Rauf’s fitness remains a concern, he is unable to play against South Africa, Mohammad Hasnain will replace him.
On the other hand, South Africa’s batting revolved around debutant Matthew Breetzke, who played a remarkable innings of 150 off 148 balls against New Zealand. Wiaan Mulder and Jason Smith also made valuable contributions, but the rest of the batting order struggled to capitalize on their starts.
The bowling attack faced difficulties, as Lungi Ngidi, Tabriz Shamsi, and Mihlali Mpongwana went for a lot of runs.Senuran Muthusamy was the standout bowler, taking two wickets for 50 runs.
For South Africa to secure a victory, their bowlers need to perform under pressure, with Ngidi and Shamsi playing a key role in countering Pakistan’s strong batting lineup.
Both teams will fight for a spot in the tri-series final against New Zealand, so expect a thrilling and hard-fought contest.
PAK vs SA: Head-to-Head Records
Pakistan have a strong head-to-head record, having won four of the last five encounters against South Africa, including three consecutive victories.
Pitch Report
The pitch at the National Stadium in Karachi is favorable for batters, though pacers may find some early swing, making the power play period critical. As humidity increases, dew could come into play later, making chasing a more favorable option.
Pakistan Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (C), Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, and Abrar Ahmed.
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