CT 2017: Pakistan v South Africa, Game 7 – Match Result Predictions

After having played a game each, South Africa will meet Pakistan at Edgbaston for the 7th match of the ICC Champions Trophy. The rain has had its say in the city in the previous matches but the weather forecast is better for this clash and we might see a full game this time around. But you never know with the weather in England.

Pakistan made a terrible start to their campaign losing to the arch-rivals India in the first match. India scored 319 runs batting first in 48 overs and lost just 3 wickets. Pakistan had a revised target of 289 in 41 due to rain interruption. The batsmen put in a dismal show and were bowled out for just 164 runs. They were humiliated by the neighbors and received plenty of criticism for the poor performance.

On the other hand, South Africa made the perfect start to the tournament by getting the better of Sri Lanka. They scored 299/6 while batting first courtesy a brilliant hundred from Hashim Amla. The bowlers backed up the good work done by the batsmen and restricted Sri Lanka to 203. It was a near perfect match for the Proteas and they proved that they are one of the contenders for the trophy.

Here is what Crictracker predicts for the game:

Scenario 1: Pakistan wins the toss

Toss prediction: Pakistan will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 310-320

Result prediction: South Africa will win the match by more than 70 runs

Scenario 2: South Africa wins the toss

Toss prediction: South Africa will choose to bowl first

First innings score prediction: 220-230

Result prediction: South Africa will win the match by 7 wickets with 10 overs to spare

Head to Head Record

Overall: Total Matches – 72, South Africa Won – 47, Pakistan Won – 24, No Result – 1

Matches in England: Total Matches – 5, South Africa Won – 4, Pakistan Won – 1

South Africa have got the number of Pakistan in ODIs but the 2 sides haven’t played a lot against each other in the recent times. The last time these 2 met was in the 2015 ODI World Cup where Pakistan won in the group stage. But a lot has changed for Pakistan since then and now, they’ll find it hard to repeat the performance from the last time.

Playing Combinations

Pakistan:

The batting line-up failed miserably against India as none of the batsmen showed any intent of putting up a fight. Only Azhar Ali managed to score a 50 but that too came off 65 balls. The out of form Ahmed Shehzad could make way for Fakhar Zaman. The other batsmen Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik literally surrendered to the might of India’s bowling. It’s not going to be any easier for them as they face another stern task against the strong bowling of South Africa.

The bowlers too received a hammering at the hands of Indian batsmen and barring Mohammad Amir, none of them looked like picking up a wicket. Wahab Riaz has been ruled out of the tournament due to an injury and he might be replaced by Junaid Khan who missed the first game. The rest of line-up is expected to remain the same but they need to stand up big time fo them to have any chance of making it to the semi-finals.

Predicted XI: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfaraz Ahmed(c & wk), Imad Wasim, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Amir, Shadab Khan

South Africa:

Hashim Amla made a superb century against Sri Lanka and has been in a prime form of late. Although his partner Quinton de Kock fell after a decent start, a big score is always around the corner for the left-hander. Faf du Plessis also played a decent hand of 75. AB de Villiers hasn’t been in form off late and needs to find the touch as soon as possible. The other 2 batsmen David Miller, JP Duminy are expected to retain their places in the side.

The bowlers did a mighty fine job in the last game with Imran Tahir being the pick of the bowlers who bagged 4 wickets. The other bowlers Kagiso Rabada, Wayne Parnell, Morne Morkel and Chris Morris also played their parts well and would most likely hold on to their places. It is unlikely that South Africa will tinker with the winning combination.

Predicted XI: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(wk), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers(c), JP Duminy, David Miller, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel

The South African side is assured and possesses a far stronger line-up than Pakistan. Their opposition is lacking confidence which will play to the advantage of the Proteas.

South Africa are the clear favorites to win the match and shouldn’t face too many difficulties in winning their second match in a row.

You can follow the live scores of the match here

Do let us know your predictions in the comments section below.