ICC World Cup 2023 Pakistan vs South Africa Match Preview: Check Pitch, Weather report, Squads, and more

Pakistan currently finds themselves in a precarious situation. Despite a strong start in the ICC World Cup 2023 with consecutive victories, the Men in Green have now suffered three consecutive defeats, with the most significant setback coming in their loss to Afghanistan. As it stands, Babar Azam’s team faces the possibility of failing to qualify for the semi-finals unless they manage to secure victories in all their upcoming matches.

On the other hand, South Africa has been in outstanding form throughout the tournament. They achieved remarkable successes, scoring 428 runs against Sri Lanka and winning by a 102-run margin, posting 311 runs against Australia and securing a 134-run victory, amassing 399 runs against England and winning by 229 runs, and compiling 382 runs against Bangladesh to triumph by 149 runs. Notably, their lone loss occurred when they batted second, facing the Netherlands.

Prior to the current match, these two teams have crossed paths five times in ODI World Cups. Pakistan has secured victory on three occasions, while South Africa has triumphed twice. Notably, Pakistan emerged as the winners in the last two World Cup encounters in 2019 and 2015, whereas South Africa clinched victory in 1992, 1996, and 1999.

Pakistan vs South Africa pitch report

The MA Chidambaram (Chepauk) stadium in Chennai has hosted a total of 27 ODIs. Out of these, on 15 occasions, the team batting first emerged victorious, whereas teams chasing the target secured victory in 11 instances. There was one match that ended with no result. In the most recent match held at this venue, Afghanistan triumphed over Pakistan, winning by 8 wickets.

Once batters adapt to the pace and bounce of this pitch, they can post substantial scores, but they must remain vigilant against spinners. The slower nature of the pitch can pose challenges for power hitters. In the early stages of the game, fast bowlers find favor with the conditions, while as the match progresses, spinners come into play, making batting more demanding.

Pakistan vs South Africa weather report

In Chennai, there is a 46% chance of morning rain today. Fortunately, the match is expected to proceed without significant disruptions, as only minimal rainfall is anticipated during the match. As per Weather.com forecast, a high temperature of 31 degrees, with humidity reaching as high as 88%.

Pakistan vs South Africa live streaming details

Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chennai

Date & Time: October 27, 2 pm IST onwards

Live Streaming and TV details: Star Sports Network and Disney+ Hotstar website and app

Pakistan vs South Africa squad

Pakistan Probable XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usama Mir, Haris Rauf

South Africa Probable XI: Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram (c), Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams