World Cup 2019, Pakistan vs South Africa build up: Pakistan opt to bat first (Source: AP)World Cup 2019, Pakistan vs South Africa build up: Pakistan opt to bat first: Pakistan team faced all sorts of problems after their comprehensive loss to India in the previous match. The Sarfraz Ahmed-led side have had it all. There were speculations of rumours, body shaming, ranting from former players. The only positive for Pakistan at this stage is that they were in a similar position in 1992 World Cup, their only 50-over World Cup triumph. Pakistan have to win all of their remaining four games in order to keep their hopes of grabbing the semi-final spot. They have won only one game in the tournament, against hosts England. They have faced three losses and one unfortunate washout.
South Africa’s World campaign took a mighty slump with just one win from six games. The Faf du Plessis’ side may be one spot above Pakistan on the points table but they don’t have a chance to make it past the round-robin stage. The situation Proteas side are in only makes them dangerous as they have nothing to lose. We can expect a few experiments in the South African side when they take the field against Pakistan at Lord’s, London.
Pakistan opt to bat first
Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed won the toss and chose to bat first at London against South Africa.
Here are the squads today-
Pakistan (Playing XI): Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Sarfaraz Ahmed(w/c), Haris Sohail, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Wahab Riaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Amir
Pretorious over Phehlukwayo
Andile Phehlukwayo was the weak link in South African bowling lineup against New Zealand. The only change in the South African side can be Dwaine Pretorius replacing Phehlukwayo.
Milestone for Imran Tahir?
The 40-year-old leg spinner Imran Tahir needs two more wickets to get past Allan Donald and become South Africa's highest wicket-taker in World Cups.
Babar Azam's form
Babar Azam has not scored a single century in the tournament so far. Azam has got starts but he has not been able to convert them into big scores. Will he perform against South Africa in the must-win game?
South Africa predicted XI
South Africa are likely to go into the match with an unchanged side -
Quinton de Kock (wk), Hashim Amla, Aiden Markram, Faf du Plessis (c), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Imran Tahir
Pakistan Predicted XI
Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Haris Sohail, Sarfaraz Ahmed (c&wk), Imad Wasim, Wahaz Riaz, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Mohammd Hasnain
Mohammad Hasnain to make his World Cup debut?
Mohammad Hasnain has been warming the bench in this World Cup 2019. Hasnain has experience of bowling in England and may get a nod ahead of Hasan Ali in the side. Ali has been quite ordinary with just two wickets in the bag at an economy rate of 7.76.
Seamer-heavy lineup
Looking at the pitch and weather conditions at Lord's London, Pakistan might be inclined to play an extra spinner. There may be a toss-up between Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim making into the playing XI.
Most obvious change
Shoaib Malik is unlikely to play against South Africa after a series of failures in the World Cup 2019. Malik has scored just 8 runs from three innings in the tournament including one duck. Haris Sohail is likely to replace the veteran in the side.
Weather forecast
Hello and welcome to Pakistan vs South Africa playing XI prediction live blog. The weather forecast in London will be a relief for Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed as rain is unlikely to play spoilsport in their must-win clash against Faf du Plessis' South Africa.