- Pakistan had won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa.
Pakistan are struggling against South Africa in must-win match against South Africa at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Pakistan lost their openers in the powerplay in their must-win match against South Africa at Chennai’s MA Chidambaram Stadium on Friday.
Skipper Babar Azam and Ifitkhar Ahmed are on the crease for Pakistan, scoring 102/3 after 20 overs.
Both the openers, Imam Ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique, were dismissed by Marco Jansen.
Later, Gerald Coetzee dismissed Mohammad Rizwan during the 16th over to leave Pakistan three down.
Earlier, Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first which is Pakistan’s fifth appearance in the tournament.
Led by Babar Azam, the team is hoping to rebound from three consecutive upsets against India, Australia and Afghanistan and eyes a victory against the formidable Proteas, captained by Temba Bavuma.
“Every match important so we will try our best. Put runs on the board,” said Babar Azam at the toss.
“We need to improve in all departments, especially fielding and bowling.”
Bavuma, who is returning after an illness, said he was “feeling a lot better”.
“Inspirational performances from the guys, batters are close to their best, areas to improve but a lot of confidence. Not like a T20 World Cup, there’s a lot more here, keep finding that momentum. I would definitely have batted, hopefully will skid on at night,” said the Proteas skipper.
Playing XI
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lungi Ngidi
