By Parth Dhall
Match 26 of the ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 will see the battle between Pakistan and South Africa on October 27 in Bengaluru.
Imam-ul-Haq, who has blown hot and cold lately, would be required to step up in the all-important game. He, however, would be required to tackle Kagiso Rabada's thunderbolts in the initial overs.
left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj can be handed the responsibility of keeping Babar Azam quiet. Babar has fallen to spinners 10 times in 17 ODI meetings this year, striking at just 76.92.
Heinrich Klaasen has been striking at 150-plus in ODIs this year. Pakistan must get rid of him early on. His battle with Shadab Khan in the middle overs would be interesting.
Quinton de Kock, who has scored three centuries in the tournament, can be a serious threat for the Men in Green. Pace sensation Shaheen Afridi will have the onus to dismiss the southpaw early.