Birmingham, June 6: In-form South Africa will look to seal a spot in the semi-fils of the ICC Champions Trophy cricket tourment, while Pakistan will aim to bounce back after being annihilated by India in their Group B match at Edgbaston here on Wednesday.
Pakistan lost their opening game by 124 runs to India through Duckworth-Lewis (D/L) method in a rain-affected match. This must-win clash against South Africa will need Pakistan to produce a much improved performance to keep their hopes alive in the tourment.
Pakistan bowlers operated with wrong length against India and their batsman failed to mount a challenge. The poor fielding efforts only added to their all-around woes. Pacer Mohammad Amir and opener Azhar Ali are the only players who clicked in the opening game.
Pakistan will most likely play without their frontline left-arm pacer Wahab Riaz for the rest of the Champions Trophy, who picked an ankle injury in the game against India. Left-arm pacer Amir’s fitness is also a matter of concern after he had to go off the field with cramps but he should be fine in time to take his place in the playing side. IANS