Pakistan will have to beat South Africa today (Wednesday) to keep their hope of survival in Champions Trophy alive, as the Green Shirts have already lost their first match. Pakistan were overwhelmed by India in all three departments of the game on Sunday in their tournament opener, and if Pakistan fail to beat South Africa, the odds to qualify for semi-finals will almost disappear.
Fakhar Zaman will be opening with Azhar Ali’s instead of Ahmed Shehzad against the world number one ODI team, and Junaid Khan will strengthen the bowling attack after Wahab Riaz was ruled out of the tournament due to injury.Pakistan skipper Sarfraz Ahmed has said that the defeat in first match is a part of history now, and the team will play against South Africa with positive attitude without any pressure of the previous game. The record between both countries favors South Africa, as the Proteas have downed the Green Shirts in 47 encounters, and Pakistan have won 24 matches out of 72.The two teams faced each other last time in 2015 World Cup in Australia, and Pakistan emerged victorious in that match despite being the underdogs. The match will be played at Birmingham’s Edgbaston Cricket Ground, and is scheduled to begin at 05:30 PM (PST).|
