Pakistan have won the toss and has opted to bat against South Africa in a must-win match in the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on October 27, 2023.
South Africa target 271 to win
Babar Azam said after the toss, “We’ll bat first. Every match is important now, and we are focusing on that. All departments we need to improve, fielding especially. We need to stick together and discuss how to get better. I’m happy to do well myself now.”
Two changes for Pakistan – Hasan Ali is sick, so Waseem Jr comes in. Nawaz is also back, Usama Mir misses out.
Three changes for South Africa, Skipper Temba comes back, Tabriz Shamsi and Ngidi come in. Reeza Hendricks, Rabada and Lizaad Williams miss out.
Pak vs SA tv telecast and live streaming info
PTV Sports will telecast the match live in Pakistan, while the live stream is available on the ARY ZAP App.
Viewers in India can watch the match live on Star Sports channels with commentary in many Indian langauges. Live streaming on Hotstar website. You can watch fee by downloading the Hotstar app on your mobile.
Pitch
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai has been the lowest scoring ground in the ongoing Cricket World Cup 2023 with an average score of 254, which is also the lowest runs per over.
The short hit towards the leg side is 61-63 meters, while the other side is much longer. Captains need to be careful where they bowl their spinners from, as the pitch is really hard and smooth with a bit of grass. This will be a good pitch for spin, but it will not turn dramatically.
Teams Playing XI
South Africa: Quinton de Kock(w), Temba Bavuma(c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi and Lungi Ngidi.
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam(c), Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Iftikhar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim Jr, and Haris Rauf.