Imran Tahir. Photo: ICC Media Zone
Cricket World Cup preview: Pakistan vs South Africa – Pitch report and livestream
Pakistan vs South Africa will be the first World Cup game played at Lord’s and it will be a contest between two sides who have let their supporters down.
Imran Tahir. Photo: ICC Media Zone
Pakistan must beat South Africa at Lord’s to stand any chance of making it into the semi-finals of the 2019 World Cup.
The Proteas on the other hand have all but been eliminated and are playing only for what remains of their pride.
Pakistan have had their moments in the 2019 World Cup but they have come few and far between and like South Africa they have just one win to their name.
That victory for Pakistan came against an England side who have been slightly off their best while the Proteas only win came against an Afghanistan team who have been way below par.
Both sides have suffered from frequent failures of their batting but Pakistan have players who have centuries in England in recent action while the Proteas haven’t had anyone go close to three figures. Coach Mickey Arthur feels the team are just one win away from turning things around.
“We are a strong team and have to stay positive. We have to keep believing in our skills and in our ability,” He said in London.
“Actually, we are (in the present situation) fine. We know that if we win, the sentiments would change.
“Just that someone has to be brave and change things for us.”
Pakistan and South Africa pride themselves on their quick bowling but both sides have struggled at times and failed to execute their plans.
The Proteas might consider bringing JP Duminy back into the XI with David Miller likely to be the man who misses out.
Pitch report – Lord’s, London
This will be the first game at the Home of Cricket in the 2019 World Cup so the surface is something of a mystery.
The weather is expected to be good but the warm temperatures and lack of cloud may give the bowlers little to work with.
Generally the Lord’s surface is quite good for batting and this should be a match where the 300 run mark will be broken.
Pakistan vs South Africa Livestream and match details
Start time: 11:30 (SAST) Sunday 23 June 2019
Livestream: DSTV Now
Broadcast: Supersport 2 (live), SABC 3 (delayed)
