I think India are playing Bangladesh tomorrow and we are playing on Thursday. If India win as expected, then our match becomes a dead rubber and I hope we get smashed so the management can't hide behind an inconsequential victory to defend themselves.
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ICC T20 World Cup 2022 | Pakistan v South Africa | Group 2 | SCG | 03 November | Pre-match
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I think India are playing Bangladesh tomorrow and we are playing on Thursday. If India win as expected, then our match becomes a dead rubber and I hope we get smashed so the management can't hide behind an inconsequential victory to defend themselves.
Cover Drive Six
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Teams are playing multiple matches on the same pitch in a single day. That's how Aussies planned wc.. Poor
Sydney pitch become very slow in this tournament.
Mamoon
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Yes that is what I meant. India will win tomorrow and knock Pakistan out.
Rana
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as usual, he doesn't want to do anything out of his comfort zone to make something happen
When India win tomorrow and seal their spot, Babar will just continue in his Tuk Tuk way because he knows nothing can be done about it!
Colorblind Genius
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lol .. teasing thought.
I think he is due for a good innings and who knows if it happens against Pakistan? At a minimum, if that happens, we will keep our tradition alive for turning the oppositions zeros into heroes.
msb314
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That game tomorrow is not a knockout blow because NED can still beat Zim and Zim could beat Indian on the final game of the group in which case SAF will qualify as group winners and Pakistan runners up..
Mamoon
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Yeah, Zimbabwe can beat India and Elon Musk can give me ownership of Twitter.
nextover666666
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Your right about the pitches becoming slow, due to teams playing on the same pitch, i forgot about this factor as well, thanks for bringing it up.
Will be interesting how Pak vs RSA plays out.
You may say that the Pakistan team did not play to their potential and therefore disappointed us in some measure. Statements like yours are disruptive and counter productive. If you can't say anything nice, it would be appropriate to remain quite and let others enjoy the sport. Such negativity will fail you in other aspects of life also and I would recommend serious introspection
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daytrader
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Fakhar Zaman will not be part of the playing XI vs South Africa
PCB
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Pictures (courtesy if the PCB) of the Pakistan squad practicing ahead of the crucial game against SA tomorrow
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This guy Najeebullah Soomro needs to be fired straightaway. First Shaheen's mismanagement then Fakhar's mismanagement all in a space of 3 months. Reeks of incompetency.
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Intrigued by the matchup of two world-class attacks, Dale Steyn breaks down South Africa's crucial Super 12 meeting with Pakistan at the ICC Men's T20 World Cup in Sydney.
And while the Proteas legend laments the fact that the side do not face off on the bouncy Perth deck, he tips a contest just as fascinating on an SCG surface.
“I think I would have loved to have seen these two pace attacks go against each other in Perth. I mean, that would have been pretty spectacular, but they're in Sydney, a slightly different wicket," Steyn said.
"There are more runs in Sydney and sometimes it takes a different skill, you want to see the fast bowlers able to adapt.”
South Africa have happy memories batting in Sydney, joining New Zealand in posting a score in excess of 200 there so far during the tournament. India too looked strong with the bat in their match at the SCG, posting 179/2 with three half-centurions in their win over the Netherlands.
While a change of tack may be forthcoming for both bowling groups, who could use changes of pace or even opt for extra spin options instead of playing on Perth's bouncy deck, Steyn emphasised that the pressure on batters to match the scores of earlier in the event could play in the bowlers' favour.
"It’s really up to the batters to see how they can handle on a higher scoring ground. How are they going to combat that to kind of overcome each other?" Steyn said.
“I'm excited to see how the bowlers are going to change their game and how they're going to go about their business on a surface that it's different to what they've come across, but they're just two wonderful attacks, all-round, both sides."
For the bowlers, it will be a battle of wits. Re-thinking their plans on a surface that may not compliment pace and bounce, Steyn implores the bowlers to think of their variations, and calls for those picking the team to be bold should they need to piece together a winning side.
"They (the quicks) might have to go a bit fuller in Sydney, with a couple of yorkers and a lot more change-ups. The ones that are able to, again, I use this word adapt, to those conditions, are going to be the best bowlers of the day," he said.
“You look at somebody like Lungi Ngidi. He might be a horses for courses kind of selection with South Africa.
"He may have got Player of the Match in the previous game, but we might not see him. They might bring in a (Tabraiz) Shamsi if there's going to be a bit of turn. So we'll have to the pitch when we get to the ground."
Earlier in the tournament, Steyn placed Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi in his top five quick bowlers at the tournament, alongside Mitchell Starc, Mark Wood and South Africa's pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
Though it may be another Pakistan quick to make the difference in the eyes of Steyn: Haris Rauf.
Looking to his extensive experience in Australia, Steyn feels Rauf’s knowledge and skill could be the point of difference.
“I spoke to him probably a year ago, a year out, and he was excited about coming to Australia and playing again," Steyn said.
“He's bowled phenomenally well in this tournament, but he's also bowled well in the Big Bash, so it shows you that he's got experience. He knows how to bowl on these decks, so he's got to be a big force."
As for the result tomorrow, Steyn preferred his compatriots, but didn’t rule out Babar Azam’s side providing they back their business plans.
“I'm going to go with South Africa, (as they're) on a very hot run right now," Steyn said.
"It's a game that Pakistan must win, and sometimes they play on a bit of emotion, and if they can play with skill, I think they'll match South Africa, but if they play on that emotion where they feel like they have to win, they might just come short.
"South Africa are looking really good right now."
ICC
And while the Proteas legend laments the fact that the side do not face off on the bouncy Perth deck, he tips a contest just as fascinating on an SCG surface.
“I think I would have loved to have seen these two pace attacks go against each other in Perth. I mean, that would have been pretty spectacular, but they're in Sydney, a slightly different wicket," Steyn said.
"There are more runs in Sydney and sometimes it takes a different skill, you want to see the fast bowlers able to adapt.”
South Africa have happy memories batting in Sydney, joining New Zealand in posting a score in excess of 200 there so far during the tournament. India too looked strong with the bat in their match at the SCG, posting 179/2 with three half-centurions in their win over the Netherlands.
While a change of tack may be forthcoming for both bowling groups, who could use changes of pace or even opt for extra spin options instead of playing on Perth's bouncy deck, Steyn emphasised that the pressure on batters to match the scores of earlier in the event could play in the bowlers' favour.
"It’s really up to the batters to see how they can handle on a higher scoring ground. How are they going to combat that to kind of overcome each other?" Steyn said.
“I'm excited to see how the bowlers are going to change their game and how they're going to go about their business on a surface that it's different to what they've come across, but they're just two wonderful attacks, all-round, both sides."
For the bowlers, it will be a battle of wits. Re-thinking their plans on a surface that may not compliment pace and bounce, Steyn implores the bowlers to think of their variations, and calls for those picking the team to be bold should they need to piece together a winning side.
"They (the quicks) might have to go a bit fuller in Sydney, with a couple of yorkers and a lot more change-ups. The ones that are able to, again, I use this word adapt, to those conditions, are going to be the best bowlers of the day," he said.
“You look at somebody like Lungi Ngidi. He might be a horses for courses kind of selection with South Africa.
"He may have got Player of the Match in the previous game, but we might not see him. They might bring in a (Tabraiz) Shamsi if there's going to be a bit of turn. So we'll have to the pitch when we get to the ground."
Earlier in the tournament, Steyn placed Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi in his top five quick bowlers at the tournament, alongside Mitchell Starc, Mark Wood and South Africa's pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
Though it may be another Pakistan quick to make the difference in the eyes of Steyn: Haris Rauf.
Looking to his extensive experience in Australia, Steyn feels Rauf’s knowledge and skill could be the point of difference.
“I spoke to him probably a year ago, a year out, and he was excited about coming to Australia and playing again," Steyn said.
“He's bowled phenomenally well in this tournament, but he's also bowled well in the Big Bash, so it shows you that he's got experience. He knows how to bowl on these decks, so he's got to be a big force."
As for the result tomorrow, Steyn preferred his compatriots, but didn’t rule out Babar Azam’s side providing they back their business plans.
“I'm going to go with South Africa, (as they're) on a very hot run right now," Steyn said.
"It's a game that Pakistan must win, and sometimes they play on a bit of emotion, and if they can play with skill, I think they'll match South Africa, but if they play on that emotion where they feel like they have to win, they might just come short.
"South Africa are looking really good right now."
ICC
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South Africa's David Miller warned Wednesday they will look to "exploit" Pakistan's fragile confidence as they strive to seal a Twenty20 World Cup semi-final spot and send their opponents packing.
The Proteas were touted as dark horses in the lead-up to the showpiece in Australia and have showed why with a fearsome pace attack and batsmen in form.
Ahead of other matches in Group 2 later Wednesday, they topped the table with two wins from three matches including victory over India. South Africa's third game was washed out.
In contrast, Pakistan are fifth and their World Cup fate will be sealed if South Africa beat them at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Pakistan's much-vaunted opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have failed to fire in three matches at the World Cup and are under pressure to find form, and fast.
"I think it is an area to exploit," said middle-order batsman Miller.
"This game is all about confidence and they haven't probably performed the way they've wanted to.
"But they're world-class players and we're expecting them to come out and bring their A-game and be up for the challenge."
Pakistan bowler Naseem Shah denied that his side are still dwelling on their agonising opening defeat to India.
Pakistan were beaten on the last ball by their arch-rivals and followed that up with a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, before thrashing the Netherlands.
Put to him by reporters that Pakistan have failed to recover mentally from the India defeat, fast bowler Naseem replied: "No, I don't think so because everyone is professional and everyone knows about oneself.
"We lost against India, but I don't think anyone is thinking about the India game because as a professional you can't think about the past when you lose, then especially, you can't be thinking that."
Miller hit an unbeaten half-century in a nervy five-wicket win over India which underlined South Africa's title credentials -- and their resilience.
"I suppose we are finding lots of ways to win," he said.
"We've done it over a period of time now. I'd say probably the last year, we've found ourselves in tricky situations and managed to get over the line.
"I think the continuity of the squad over time, guys have managed to sort of find their roles and if one guy isn't doing well, another guy picks up the slack."
AFP
The Proteas were touted as dark horses in the lead-up to the showpiece in Australia and have showed why with a fearsome pace attack and batsmen in form.
Ahead of other matches in Group 2 later Wednesday, they topped the table with two wins from three matches including victory over India. South Africa's third game was washed out.
In contrast, Pakistan are fifth and their World Cup fate will be sealed if South Africa beat them at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Pakistan's much-vaunted opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have failed to fire in three matches at the World Cup and are under pressure to find form, and fast.
"I think it is an area to exploit," said middle-order batsman Miller.
"This game is all about confidence and they haven't probably performed the way they've wanted to.
"But they're world-class players and we're expecting them to come out and bring their A-game and be up for the challenge."
Pakistan bowler Naseem Shah denied that his side are still dwelling on their agonising opening defeat to India.
Pakistan were beaten on the last ball by their arch-rivals and followed that up with a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, before thrashing the Netherlands.
Put to him by reporters that Pakistan have failed to recover mentally from the India defeat, fast bowler Naseem replied: "No, I don't think so because everyone is professional and everyone knows about oneself.
"We lost against India, but I don't think anyone is thinking about the India game because as a professional you can't think about the past when you lose, then especially, you can't be thinking that."
Miller hit an unbeaten half-century in a nervy five-wicket win over India which underlined South Africa's title credentials -- and their resilience.
"I suppose we are finding lots of ways to win," he said.
"We've done it over a period of time now. I'd say probably the last year, we've found ourselves in tricky situations and managed to get over the line.
"I think the continuity of the squad over time, guys have managed to sort of find their roles and if one guy isn't doing well, another guy picks up the slack."
AFP
Usman Chadda
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Babar and Rizwan can rest easy now in this inconsequential match, but the expectation is that we will get blown away.
Fans hoping for a semi-final finish should be hoping we end this World Cup atleast third on the table, or it’s going to be really embarrassing
Fans hoping for a semi-final finish should be hoping we end this World Cup atleast third on the table, or it’s going to be really embarrassing
Rana
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So now where are those who were claiming ‘NRR isn’t important’?
MHN1293
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It actually isn't. If we beat sa and bang both. And sa ned game ends up being a washout then we will qualify on the basis of more no.of wins
Visaal-E-Yaar
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1% chance of rain in sa-ned game
Nikhil_cric
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NRR doesmt matter. You HAVE to beat SA and BD . If India then loses to ZiM, PAK are through. Because PAK NRR is already better than IND.
So no NRR dies not matter.
msb314
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Agree also BD NRR is so bad that they are effectively knocked out anyway
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South Africa aggressor David Miller has stressed his side must not rest on their laurels ahead of a potentially tournament-defining meeting with Pakistan in Sydney on Thursday.
Leading Group 2 with two wins and a no result against Zimbabwe, a win would lock in a semi-final spot, also knocking out their opponents.
"It's a must-win game for them, so they're going to be coming and charging, and we're definitely prepared for it."
"Pakistan are a great team, and they've got some serious match winners, but, we've just got to take it as it comes, and definitely the boys are up for it."
Miller made a crucial half-century in South Africa's win over India, only fuelling the flames of drama at the event, with five of the six teams in the group still mathematically alive for a semi-finals spot.
Looking towards his opponents' batting line-up, Miller wants his teammates to make early inroads with the ball, piling the pressure further on Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam to deliver at the top of the order.
"I think it is an area to exploit," he continued.
"This game is all about confidence, and yeah, they haven't probably performed the way they've wanted to, but they're world-class players, and we're expecting them to come out and bring their A-game and be up for the challenge.
"It's by all means not just going in there and expecting to get them out first ball or early up. We've got to work really hard for every wicket, and hopefully we can get them early and put the Pakistan middle order under pressure a little bit earlier than later."
South Africa remain the only undefeated team at the T20 World Cup, and the team from the outside look in good spirits while gunning for a long-awaited trophy at an ICC event.
Dale Steyn, who joined Alex Jordan on the upcoming Big Time Preview ahead of the match, is impressed by the body language and feels the group is in a mindset to make a tournament tilt.
"Just as a unit, when you see the South Africans on the field, they're all attacking. They're very aggressive.
"It just looks like there is a movement and a swagger in the team that I haven't seen for quite some time now, and it's good to see it back."
South Africa's T20I record since the last global tournament is strong, losing just five of their last 16 matches.
Miller credits the energy to consistency in the playing group, though individually, there is enough talent to always challenge.
"I think the continuity of the squad over time, guys have managed to sort of find their roles and sort of if one guy isn't doing well, another guy picks up the slack.
"The guys are really putting in the hard work. The tail-end, all-rounders as well, because going into competitions like this in one or two games we might need them. So yeah, we're definitely putting in the yards.
"I suppose we are finding lots of ways to win. We've done it over a period of time now. I'd say probably the last year, we've found ourselves in tricky situations and managed to get over the line."
ICC
Leading Group 2 with two wins and a no result against Zimbabwe, a win would lock in a semi-final spot, also knocking out their opponents.
"It's a must-win game for them, so they're going to be coming and charging, and we're definitely prepared for it."
"Pakistan are a great team, and they've got some serious match winners, but, we've just got to take it as it comes, and definitely the boys are up for it."
Miller made a crucial half-century in South Africa's win over India, only fuelling the flames of drama at the event, with five of the six teams in the group still mathematically alive for a semi-finals spot.
Looking towards his opponents' batting line-up, Miller wants his teammates to make early inroads with the ball, piling the pressure further on Muhammad Rizwan and Babar Azam to deliver at the top of the order.
"I think it is an area to exploit," he continued.
"This game is all about confidence, and yeah, they haven't probably performed the way they've wanted to, but they're world-class players, and we're expecting them to come out and bring their A-game and be up for the challenge.
"It's by all means not just going in there and expecting to get them out first ball or early up. We've got to work really hard for every wicket, and hopefully we can get them early and put the Pakistan middle order under pressure a little bit earlier than later."
South Africa remain the only undefeated team at the T20 World Cup, and the team from the outside look in good spirits while gunning for a long-awaited trophy at an ICC event.
Dale Steyn, who joined Alex Jordan on the upcoming Big Time Preview ahead of the match, is impressed by the body language and feels the group is in a mindset to make a tournament tilt.
"Just as a unit, when you see the South Africans on the field, they're all attacking. They're very aggressive.
"It just looks like there is a movement and a swagger in the team that I haven't seen for quite some time now, and it's good to see it back."
South Africa's T20I record since the last global tournament is strong, losing just five of their last 16 matches.
Miller credits the energy to consistency in the playing group, though individually, there is enough talent to always challenge.
"I think the continuity of the squad over time, guys have managed to sort of find their roles and sort of if one guy isn't doing well, another guy picks up the slack.
"The guys are really putting in the hard work. The tail-end, all-rounders as well, because going into competitions like this in one or two games we might need them. So yeah, we're definitely putting in the yards.
"I suppose we are finding lots of ways to win. We've done it over a period of time now. I'd say probably the last year, we've found ourselves in tricky situations and managed to get over the line."
ICC
Inswinging Yorker
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Pakistan will crash out of the tournament tomorrow. They do not deserve to make the final 4 based on the rubbish they have played.
Oh man Lag gaye....
ask_analyse_act
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Easy win for RSA and chance to boost up their NRR
Pakistan will be bundled out for less than 100
Pakistan will be bundled out for less than 100
ekpakistani
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You do know that he has little say with others in management calling the shots.
ekpakistani
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I know asking for too much but let us open with Haider Ali and Shan Masood with Babar and Rizwan on 3 and 4 place.
Give license to openers to attack.
Give license to openers to attack.
Pakistan will definitely like this surface. Specially batters. First time they will get a good batting surface close to subcontinent wicket. Just need to be cautious against Nortje.
Shadab and Nawaz should bowl full quota and even Ifti can chip in a few with so many lefties on SA line up.
I think Pakistan can go ahead with 3 seamers and Asif and Haider both can play.
This is one ground which is relatively smaller and six hitting is easier.
Conditions favoring Pakistan and they should make most of it.
Shadab and Nawaz should bowl full quota and even Ifti can chip in a few with so many lefties on SA line up.
I think Pakistan can go ahead with 3 seamers and Asif and Haider both can play.
This is one ground which is relatively smaller and six hitting is easier.
Conditions favoring Pakistan and they should make most of it.
ZafarKhan2022
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Need 50 runs in the powerplay
BunnyRabbit
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He changed his diagnosis of Shaheen's injury twice. First he called it a ligament sprain, then a month later called it a ligament tear. Think he's part of the management and if he's unable to give his recommendations or thinks they are not being followed, he should try to resolve it or step aside from the post.
ekpakistani
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Oh Bhai - you really think he changed that or was able to independently do that. In our country even govt can't be in place independently and here you are thinking that a doctor will have a say on who plays or not.
BunnyRabbit
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Jee Bhai! When did I say he had a say on who plays or not? I am saying if he declares a player injury free while he's injured = he lacks competency.
If he is forced to declare a player fit when he knows he isn't = his expertise doesn't matter
If he declares a player unfit and the management still decides to select the guy = his medical opinion doesn't count and is there only in name.
A doctor that can't diagnose between a ligament sprain and a ligament tear shouldn't be hired for the senior national team in the first place. That's all I am saying.
Sherazkhalid
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One thing will never change, and that is Opening pair. They will both hit their fifties in 14th over and then top T20 rankings and who cares what happens to the team or the match
Bowling match-up intrigues Steyn ahead of South Africa clash with Pakistan
And while the Proteas legend laments the fact that the side do not face off on the bouncy Perth deck, he tips a contest just as fascinating on an SCG surface.
“I think I would have loved to have seen these two pace attacks go against each other in Perth. I mean, that would have been pretty spectacular, but they're in Sydney, a slightly different wicket," Steyn said.
"There are more runs in Sydney and sometimes it takes a different skill, you want to see the fast bowlers able to adapt.”
South Africa have happy memories batting in Sydney, joining New Zealand in posting a score in excess of 200 there so far during the tournament. India too looked strong with the bat in their match at the SCG, posting 179/2 with three half-centurions in their win over the Netherlands.
While a change of tack may be forthcoming for both bowling groups, who could use changes of pace or even opt for extra spin options instead of playing on Perth's bouncy deck, Steyn emphasised that the pressure on batters to match the scores of earlier in the event could play in the bowlers' favour.
"It’s really up to the batters to see how they can handle on a higher scoring ground. How are they going to combat that to kind of overcome each other?" Steyn said.
“I'm excited to see how the bowlers are going to change their game and how they're going to go about their business on a surface that it's different to what they've come across, but they're just two wonderful attacks, all-round, both sides."
For the bowlers, it will be a battle of wits. Re-thinking their plans on a surface that may not compliment pace and bounce, Steyn implores the bowlers to think of their variations, and calls for those picking the team to be bold should they need to piece together a winning side.
"They (the quicks) might have to go a bit fuller in Sydney, with a couple of yorkers and a lot more change-ups. The ones that are able to, again, I use this word adapt, to those conditions, are going to be the best bowlers of the day," he said.
“You look at somebody like Lungi Ngidi. He might be a horses for courses kind of selection with South Africa.
"He may have got Player of the Match in the previous game, but we might not see him. They might bring in a (Tabraiz) Shamsi if there's going to be a bit of turn. So we'll have to the pitch when we get to the ground."
Earlier in the tournament, Steyn placed Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi in his top five quick bowlers at the tournament, alongside Mitchell Starc, Mark Wood and South Africa's pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
Though it may be another Pakistan quick to make the difference in the eyes of Steyn: Haris Rauf.
Looking to his extensive experience in Australia, Steyn feels Rauf’s knowledge and skill could be the point of difference.
“I spoke to him probably a year ago, a year out, and he was excited about coming to Australia and playing again," Steyn said.
“He's bowled phenomenally well in this tournament, but he's also bowled well in the Big Bash, so it shows you that he's got experience. He knows how to bowl on these decks, so he's going to be a big force."
As for the result tomorrow, Steyn preferred his compatriots, but didn’t rule out Babar Azam’s side providing they back their business plans.
“I'm going to go with South Africa, (as they're) on a very hot run right now," Steyn said.
"It's a game that Pakistan must win, and sometimes they play on a bit of emotion, and if they can play with skill, I think they'll match South Africa, but if they play on that emotion where they feel like they have to win, they might just come short.
"South Africa are looking really good right now."
ICC
And while the Proteas legend laments the fact that the side do not face off on the bouncy Perth deck, he tips a contest just as fascinating on an SCG surface.
“I think I would have loved to have seen these two pace attacks go against each other in Perth. I mean, that would have been pretty spectacular, but they're in Sydney, a slightly different wicket," Steyn said.
"There are more runs in Sydney and sometimes it takes a different skill, you want to see the fast bowlers able to adapt.”
South Africa have happy memories batting in Sydney, joining New Zealand in posting a score in excess of 200 there so far during the tournament. India too looked strong with the bat in their match at the SCG, posting 179/2 with three half-centurions in their win over the Netherlands.
While a change of tack may be forthcoming for both bowling groups, who could use changes of pace or even opt for extra spin options instead of playing on Perth's bouncy deck, Steyn emphasised that the pressure on batters to match the scores of earlier in the event could play in the bowlers' favour.
"It’s really up to the batters to see how they can handle on a higher scoring ground. How are they going to combat that to kind of overcome each other?" Steyn said.
“I'm excited to see how the bowlers are going to change their game and how they're going to go about their business on a surface that it's different to what they've come across, but they're just two wonderful attacks, all-round, both sides."
For the bowlers, it will be a battle of wits. Re-thinking their plans on a surface that may not compliment pace and bounce, Steyn implores the bowlers to think of their variations, and calls for those picking the team to be bold should they need to piece together a winning side.
"They (the quicks) might have to go a bit fuller in Sydney, with a couple of yorkers and a lot more change-ups. The ones that are able to, again, I use this word adapt, to those conditions, are going to be the best bowlers of the day," he said.
“You look at somebody like Lungi Ngidi. He might be a horses for courses kind of selection with South Africa.
"He may have got Player of the Match in the previous game, but we might not see him. They might bring in a (Tabraiz) Shamsi if there's going to be a bit of turn. So we'll have to the pitch when we get to the ground."
Earlier in the tournament, Steyn placed Pakistan's Shaheen Afridi in his top five quick bowlers at the tournament, alongside Mitchell Starc, Mark Wood and South Africa's pair of Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje.
Though it may be another Pakistan quick to make the difference in the eyes of Steyn: Haris Rauf.
Looking to his extensive experience in Australia, Steyn feels Rauf’s knowledge and skill could be the point of difference.
“I spoke to him probably a year ago, a year out, and he was excited about coming to Australia and playing again," Steyn said.
“He's bowled phenomenally well in this tournament, but he's also bowled well in the Big Bash, so it shows you that he's got experience. He knows how to bowl on these decks, so he's going to be a big force."
As for the result tomorrow, Steyn preferred his compatriots, but didn’t rule out Babar Azam’s side providing they back their business plans.
“I'm going to go with South Africa, (as they're) on a very hot run right now," Steyn said.
"It's a game that Pakistan must win, and sometimes they play on a bit of emotion, and if they can play with skill, I think they'll match South Africa, but if they play on that emotion where they feel like they have to win, they might just come short.
"South Africa are looking really good right now."
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salman24
First Class Captain
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Margin doesn't matter as long as they win. NRR is not an issue right now and won't be if they win their games and one upset happens.
ask_analyse_act
ODI Debutant
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hahaha , they didnt , infact blown away..
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