World Cup: Pakistan win toss, opt to bat against South Africa

Pakistan has won the toss and opted to bat against South Africa as the Green Shirts look to end a three-match losing streak in the ongoing World Cup.

The match is taking place at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai.

Pakistan have made two changes to the squad. Hasan Ali has been ruled out due to fever and Wasim Jr has been brought in while Muhammad Nawaz is taking Usama Mir’s place.

Speaking after the toss, skipper Babar Azam said said that every match was important and the team would try its best to put runs on the board.

“We need to improve in all departments, especially fielding and bowling,” he said.

South Africa captain Temba Bavuma is back after missing the last two games with a gastric problem.

Opener Reeza Hendricks has made way in one of three changes to the side that defeated Bangladesh by 149 runs in Mumbai on Tuesday. Kagiso Rabada, who has a back injury, and Lizaad Williams are replaced by leg spinner Tabraiz Shamsi and fast bowler Lungi Ngidi.

Pakistan have lost three matches in succession after winning their first two. South Africa are in a strong position with four wins in five games.

Teams

Pakistan: Imamul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (capt), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (capt), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi