Pakistan would have been bitterly disappointed after suffering a huge loss against India in their first match of the Champions Trophy.
South Africa cruised to a convincing win in their opener against Sri Lanka while Pakistan were completely outclassed by India. They would need at least a point from the match to stay in contention for knockout stages of the ICC Champions Trophy 2017.
They appeared to be behind the eight ball in each of the three orders – be it batting, playing or handling – and should enhance hugely in the event that they are to beat a solid South African side in this experience.
"We were less than impressive. It's as basic as that. Furthermore, it's a rude awakening of where we are in our one-day cricket right now," mentor Mickey Arthur said after the thrashing to India.
With Wahab Riaz precluded of the competition because of a lower leg harm, Junaid Khan is required to come into the playing eleven.
South Africa will be high on confidence after registering a comfortable win against Sri Lanka on Saturday.
Hashim Amla starred with the bat, notching up his 25th ODI century which was followed by a fine bowling performance from Imran Tahir who was named the Player of the Match after picking up four wickets for 27 runs in 8.3 overs.
What was also impressive in the Proteas’ performance was their fielding display, led by captain AB de Villiers who took a brilliant one-handed catch and then brought about a run-out which turned the match on its head. Ranked number one in the world in the 50-over format, they will hope to keep the momentum going.
Pakistan Team practice session at Edgbaston Cricket Ground pic.twitter.com/h3uKfOB7kx— PCB Official (@TheRealPCB) June 6, 2017
DATE, TIME, VENUE INFO
Date: June 7, 2017 (Wednesday)
Time: 16:30 GST, 13:30 local, 12:30 GMT, 18:00 IST, 17:30 PKT
Venue: Edgbaston, Birmingham
WHERE TO WATCH, LIVE STREAMING INFO
TV: UAE – OSN Sports Cricket HD
Full coverage on Sport360.com.
PROBABLE PAKISTAN XI: Azhar, Zaman, Azam, Hafeez, Malik, Sarfraz (c, wk), Imad, Shadab, Amir, Hasan, Junaid.
PROBABLE SOUTH AFRICA XI: Amla, de Kock (wk), du Plessis, de Villiers (c), Duminy, Miller, Morris, Parnell, Rabada, Morkel, Tahir.
MATCH PREDICTION: South Africa go into the match as favourites. Pakistan, on the other hand, will need to produce something special if they are to get a positive result here.
