Pakistan out to seize a World Cup lifeline against lowly South Africa
- Pakistan have a slim chance of progressing if they can beat lowly South Africa
- Their shoddy fielding has cost them in games and they will have to change it
- South Africa are heading towards their worst-ever record at a global event
For a Pakistan side that upset England’s apple cart a fortnight ago there is no more wriggle room in their bid to make the last four.
It is debatable whether the 2017 Champions Trophy winners or Saturday’s opponents South Africa have been more disappointing, but due to their game in hand it is the Pakistanis who have retained an outside chance of progressing.
Their shoddy fielding, a contributing factor in defeats to Australia and India, needs attention, as does a creaking middle-order as Lord’s hosts its first match.
Pakistan retain a slim chance of progressing to the World Cup semi-finals
They will need to work on their fielding as it has been a huge factor in their defeats
Finalists the last time the World Cup was hosted there, they try to reach an overall points haul of 11 against a South Africa team heading towards their worst-ever record at a global event.
Faf du Plessis, the South Africa captain, admitted to feeling ‘five years older’ after losing a nail-biter to New Zealand.
‘We’ve just not been as good as the opposition,’ he said. ‘That’s a skill thing. That’s not a hunger thing. That’s not a determination thing. That’s not a fight thing. So I can’t fault them for that.’
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South Africa captain Faf du Plessis conceded his side do not have as much skill as other teams