While India face West Indies at Perth on Friday, Pakistan would be taking up the unenviable challenge of putting it across the upbeat South Africans at Eden Park in Auckland. Pakistan may be going into the match with back to back wins, but those have come against Zimbabwe and UAE, and shouldn't count for much as they take on the mighty Proteas. South Africa, on the other hand, have been in record-breaking mood, notching up 400 plus scores in their last two wins over West Indies and Ireland respectively. As such, South Africa would clearly head into the game as favourites, but just as India would be wary of Windies' unpredictably, South Africa must guard against complacency against Pakistan.
South Africa's batting has been in murderous form after floundering against India. Except for Quinton de Kock, every other batsman has been among the runs. Hashim Amla continued his rich vein of form with a pleasing hundred against Ireland. And, after chipping in with fifites in the earlier games, Faf du Plessis was third time lucky as he also came up with a run-a-ball hundred. South Africa's middle order has also delivered. The kind of form skipper AB de Villiers is in, he could really embarrass Pakistan in case the bowlers do not get their line and length in order. He would be hungry having 'failed' against Ireland. Rilee Rossouw has been a surprise package in this batting line-up, matching de Villiers when it comes to strike rate comparison.
South Africa's bowling was always expected to do well considering the dangerous pace attack they possess. However, Dale Steyn hasn't so far proved to be the threat he was expected to be in the World Cup although he has been among the wickets. The South African speedster would be keen to change the same. Morne Morkel has been decent so far, and his three wickets against Ireland would definitely give him confidence to perform even better. But, it has been Kyle Abbott, who has been the standout performer, with his pacy showing. The injury to Vernon Philander has proved to be a blessing in disguise for South Africa as Abbott has come in and turned around the team's fortunes. The confident Imran Tahir could also pose a threat to Pakistan.
For Pakistan to do well against South Africa, they will have to be on top of their game with both bat and ball. Like with South Africa, Pakistan also have worries at the top of the order, with Nasir Jamshed not firing. They might be pondering upon bringing Younis Khan back. Ahmed Shehzad and Haris Sohail batted well against the UAE, but whether they can deliver a similarly impressive performance against South Africa remains to be seen. The game would also be crucial for Umar Akmal, who has done precious little in the tournament, and has been surviving on reputation so far. Pakistan would be desperate for the batting to fire, else Misbah-ul-Haq would again be left to do the repair job.
As for Pakistan's bowlers, they would face their biggest challenge of the event so far, even though India were a highly skilled batting unit as well. Whether the Pakistan bowlers can stop a rampant South African batting line-up is the most pertinent question that would be asked of the Auckland encounter. To be fair to Pakistan, their bowling has been decent. Sohail Khan picked up five against India, Wahab Riaz has been among the wickets in most games, and Rahat Ali too had been impressive. But, to stop the South African batting juggernaut, they need a proper plan in place. Whether they have the same remains to be seen.
--By A Cricket Analyst
