Match: Pakistan v South Africa
Group: Group B
Date: Wednesday, June 7
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Head2Head in ODIs
South Africa leads this tally by a massive 23 matches. Pakistan has lost 47 of the 72 matches played against South Africa, with one no result. Yet, when these two pace–heavy teams face-off at Edgbaston, a close contest is expected at least in terms of how many times the stumps are broken!
Greatest ODI Encounter
In recent years, the teams’ most memorable encounter was in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015. Despite the excellent record South Africa has against Pakistan, it succumbed to the pace-bowling brilliance of Wahab Riaz, Mohammad Irfan and Rahat Ali. South Africa lost by 29 runs in a low-scoring rain-hit game at Eden Park.
Thanks to Sarfraz Ahmed’s run-a-ball 49 and Misbah-ul-Haq’s patient 56, Pakistan posted 222 in 46.4 overs against a strong South African bowling line-up.
Everyone expecting South Africa’s batsmen to hunt down the adjusted target of 232 from 47 overs with ease, but Pakistan’s Mohammad Irfan had a say in matters by getting Quinton de Kock out second ball. Adding to that, the rest of the bowlers chipped in, bowling South Africa out for 202 in 33.3 overs.
Previous Champions Trophy Encounter
Edgbaston, Birmingham, June 10, 2013
South Africa won by 67 runs
PoM: Hashim Amla
South Africa managed to reach a respectable total of 234 for 9 despite losing wickets at regular intervals, thanks to Hashim Amla’s 81. After that, Ryan McLaren (4-19) dismantled Pakistan’s batting, dismissing it for 167 in 45 overs.
Punjab Cricket Association Stadium, Mohali, Chandigarh, October 27, 2006
South Africa won by 124 runs
PoM: Makhaya Ntini
After their side posting just 213 for 8 (Umar Gul 3-36), the South African bowlers took it upon themselves to bowl out Pakistan. Makhaya Ntini (5-21) and Charl Langeveldt (3-20) led the charge, sending all batsmen back to the pavilion in 25 overs for just 89.
Key players for each side
At a time when Pakistan is looking for reliability in its batting, Sarfraz Ahmed has name for himself as a proactive batsman. He has rescued Pakistan from batting collapses with his ability to be positive. His ability to score quick runs will definitely come in handy against a side like South Africa.
For the past few years now, South Africa’s most reliable batsman has been Hashim Amla. Amla’s skillful and classy batting will have to be at its best against a strong bowling line-up like Pakistan’s. Pakistan, meanwhile, has to watch out for Amla’s ability to switch gears quickly and not allow him to settle.
Key facts
- Pakistan has lost both its Champions Trophy encounters against South Africa.
- AB de Villiers averages 61.86 against Pakistan with three centuries against the side.
- South Africa’s highest score against Pakistan is 392 for 6, made in Centurion in 2007.
Best at Champions Trophy
Pakistan: Semi-Finals, 2000, 2004, and 2009
South Africa: Winners, 1998
