Cricket World Cup 2023 | Pakistan in a must-win situation against an in-form South Africa

Pakistan's World Cup campaign has been dismal, with three consecutive losses. Their batting unit has been the only positive, with Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique and Babar Azam performing consistently. South Africa, on the other hand, have been in red-hot form, with Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen powering their wins. Pakistan must bat with freedom and out-bat SA to put pressure on them, while SA look to continue their winning streak and inch closer to a semifinal berth.

 Ever since going down to India a fortnight ago, Pakistan’s campaign has nosedived and its hopes of reaching the last four now rest on a wing and a prayer.

Ahead of the side’s World Cup match against South Africa at the M.A. Chidambaram Stadium here on Friday, the contrast between the two teams couldn’t have been more stark.

With three consecutive defeats, Pakistan may need to win at least three of its remaining fixtures, if not all four.

The team has to quickly fix many gaping holes from a misfiring pace attack, ineffective spinners and poor fielding.

The only positive has been its batting unit with Mohammad Rizwan, Abdullah Shafique and skipper Babar Azam being the team’s consistent performers.

Even in the last game against Afghanistan, the batters posted 282 — usually a good score at Chepauk — though the skipper felt the team was about 20 runs short.

A way forward for the former champion will be to bat with freedom, out-bat the opposition, and put pressure on South Africa.