PAK v SA, Champions Trophy, highlights: Game called off, PAK beat SA by 19 runs (D/L method) | Cricket - Hindustan Times
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PAK v SA, Champions Trophy, highlights: Game called off, PAK beat SA by 19 runs (D/L method)

Hindustan Times, New Delhi | By
Jun 08, 2017 09:44 AM IST

Chasing 220, Pakistan managed to 119/3 thanks to a sparkling knock from Fakhar Zaman before the rain intervened. After a two-hour rain delay, the game was called off and Pakistan won the match by 19 runs courtesy Duckworth-Lewis method. Catch highlights of Pakistan vs South Africa here

Chasing 220, Pakistan got off to a great start thanks to an enterprising knock from debutant Fakhar Zaman. However, Morne Morkel bowled with hostility and took three wickets but solid contributions from Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik put Pakistan on course. However, rain interrupted proceedings and after a two-hour delay, Pakistan were declared winners by 19 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method. With this result, Pakistan have a chance of qualifying for the semi-finals while for South Africa, their last league game against India is a must-win. Catch highlights of Pakistan vs South Africa here.

Pakistan won the clash againstSouth Africa by 19 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method as rain disrupted the match again in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy clash in Edgbaston. Catch full highlights of Pakistan vs South Africa here.(AFP)
Pakistan won the clash againstSouth Africa by 19 runs via Duckworth-Lewis method as rain disrupted the match again in the 2017 ICC Champions Trophy clash in Edgbaston. Catch full highlights of Pakistan vs South Africa here.(AFP)

2:54 hrs IST: That is all from us here. Join us for the game between India vs Sri Lanka at The Oval. Hope the rain stays away. Bye Bye.

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2:51 hrs IST: Hasan Ali, MoM: I dropped Yuvi in the previous match and he scored a lot. We all worked very hard on our fielding. It was raining, so we didn’t really do any fielding practice before the match.

2:45 hrs IST: Sarfraz Ahmed: It was a very important win for us. Credit goes to our bowlers and fielders. We were good in all departments.

2:38 hrs IST: AB de Villiers: They bowled pretty well, put us under pressure. We lost some wickets, which wasn’t a great response for us, but we recovered well thanks to David and a few other guys who put up partnerships.

2:27 hrs IST: Hasan Ali is the Man of the Match for his spell of 3/24 in eight overs which included a maiden.

2:18 hrs IST: The game has been called off. Pakistan beat South Africa by 19 runs courtesy Duckworth-Lewis method. This result has thrown the whole group wide open.

2:13 hrs IST: The rain seems to have gotten harder. It looks imminent that play could be called off anytime.

2:04 hrs IST: Oh dear, it has started to drizzle again. We are 55 minutes away from this game being called off. Already, overs have been reduced. The thing is, if we continue losing overs, then Pakistan might not even need to bat as they might have already achieved the target.

1:55 hrs IST: The rain has almost stopped but more time could be consumed in cleaning up the outfield. Remember, more than 20 overs have been bowled and thus the target on resumption could be much lesser.

1:40 hrs IST: We have started losing overs from this point in time. I feel that if play does not resume by 2:30 AM, then the match might be called off.

1:31 hrs IST: The covers are firmly in place as the super soppers continue their work. But, the drizzle is persistent. It had stopped for a bit but now, the umpires are in consultation with the ground-staff.

1:24 hrs IST: The side covers and the main cover are firmly on the pitch and chances of resumption look bleak at the moment. We might start losing overs five minutes from now.

1:16 hrs IST: For Pakistan, this situation is good but also bad. Their net run-rate, which took a hammering, would not improve much with this result.

1:05 hrs IST: In 20 minutes time, we will start losing overs. For every four minutes, we will lose an over. For now, the rain remains. Bad news for South Africa, rain has gotten heavier. Not looking good.

12:47 hrs IST: The situation remains the same. The rain has decided to set-up camp in Edgbaston. Looks like we are in for a lengthy delay.

12:39 hrs IST: It is still raining at the moment. However, we are not approaching that stage when overs will start reducing

12:32 hrs IST: The cut-off time for the game is 2:45 AM IST. We will not start losing overs before 1:15 AM IST.

12:23 hrs IST: The rain is not that heavy but it is persistent enough for the players to stay off the field.

12:14 hrs IST: The players are coming off the field. The rain is a bit too heavy. Pakistan are 19 runs ahead of the DLS score. If no play is possible, Pakistan will be declared the winners.

12:10 hrs IST: More umbrellas are coming up. The rain has intensified slightly. It won’t be too long before the players come off. Meanwhile, Babar Azam ends the over in style by digging out a yorker from Rabada to the long on fence.Pakistan need 101 to win.

12:04 hrs IST: In the air but just over. Babar Azam uppercuts over backward point and he finds the boundary again. Earlier, Shoaib Malik strikes two more boundaries off Rabada as he gets off to a flier.

11:59 hrs IST: Two consecutive fours by Malik off Rabada and Pakistan cross 100. They are on course, rain or no rain. This could be massive.

11:58 hrs IST: At this stage, the DLS par score is 92 after 24 overs. So, Pakistan are still ahead. If they lose a wicket now, the DLS score will increase.

11:57 hrs IST: Morne Morkel’s figures read 6-1-19-3. What a bowling performance from the giraffe.

11:53 hrs IST: WICKET! That is a massive wicket and the game is even again. Short ball that climbs up awkwardly, Hafeez top-edges the pull and Imran Tahir takes the catch at fine leg. Mohammad Hafeez c Imran Thir b Morne Morkel 26 (53), Pakistan 93/3.

11:50 hrs IST: Parnell continues to leak runs as Babar Azam cuts a short ball to the deep backward point fence. Pakistan are nearing 100.

11:45 hrs IST: Magnificent shot from Hafeez. He dances down the track and hammers Tahir over deep mid wicket for a big six. This will hurt South Africa.

11:42 hrs IST: The ground-staff are getting ready. There is rain on the horizon. The forecast predicted some rain for an hour today. However, the entire match might not be called off.

11:39 hrs IST: The 20 overs which are needed to constitute a result are up. Pakistan are 76/2. If players go off now and the rain does not allow any more play, Pakistan will win the match.

11:37 hrs IST: Drama out there! Tahir floats a flat legbreak and Azam tries to defend, the ball hits the pad first and then the bat, umpire S Ravi gives it not out and South Africa review, the ball was going over the stumps.

11:34 hrs IST: Azam finds the boundary off the last ball of the 19th over and Pakistan are 72/2, ahead of the DLS score. If they play out one more over and rain intervenes, then Pakistan are closer to victory.

11:29 hrs IST: Only one run in the over. Pakistan are 62/2 after 18 overs. If rain comes at the end of 20 overs, then Pakistan have to be 70/2 at that period. Currently, they are eight short.

11:26 hrs IST: Another tight over from Morris. South Africa will want one more wicket before the rain arrives and put Pakistan under immense pressure. Hafeez and Azam are just hanging in there. After 17 overs, Pakistan are 61/2.

11:20 hrs IST: Only four overs remain to constitute a result. Pakistan need 10 runs to get to the DLS target in case rain stops play after the 20th over.

11:16 hrs IST: Imran Tahir is warming up. Pakistan need to hold their nerve in the next couple of overs. The sky is getting darker and greyer.

11:11 hrs IST: Six overs to go. The drizzle persists but it is not heavy enough for the players to leave the field. South Africa need 15 more to be 70/2 at the 20-over mark, according to the DLS method.

11:09 hrs IST: There is a light drizzle at the moment in Edgbaston. The Duckworth-Lewis par score at this stage is 70/2 after 20 overs.

11:04 hrs IST: Hafeez breaks the shackles with a boundary. Short delivery and the ‘Professor’ aims for the cut but gets an edge that goes away to the third man fence. The team fifty is also up.

11:00 hrs IST: First run after 20 balls. The pressure is totally on Pakistan. With their batting line-up thin on experience, it is advantage South Africa.

10:58 hrs IST: Pakistan have not scored a run for the last 19 balls. This is taking caution to the next level.

10:54 hrs IST: Two maidens in a row. After the wickets of Azhar and Zaman, Pakistan have shut down shop it seems. After 10 overs, they are 42/2.

10:48 hrs IST: After the wickets of Azhar and Zaman, Pakistan have slowed down. Now, the fans will be praying for some rain before the 20 overs are up.

10:43 hrs IST: WICKET! Poor shot. Short and wide outside off, Azhar Ali attempts the ramp shot but gets a top edge that is taken at third man by Imran Tahir, who tumbles for good pressure. Azhar Ali c Imran Tahir b Morne Morkel 9 (22).

10:40 hrs IST: WICKET! South Africa breakthrough. Morne Morkel bowls a good length off-cutter that bounces a bit more, Zaman pokes at it and the edge is taken at first slip by Hashim Amla. Fakhar Zaman c Amla b Morne Morkel 31 (23).

10:34 hrs IST: Zaman has raced to 30 and Pakistan have made a solid start. This is something that one might not have expected considering the performance against India.

10:30 hrs IST: This is great batting from Zaman. He slams two consecutive boundaries off Kagiso Rabada as Pakistan reach 32/0 in just five overs. More of this and Pakistan could cause a major upset.

10:26 hrs IST: This is a strong start for Pakistan in this chase. Fakhar Zaman has looked in great touch. After four overs, Pakistan are 23/0. On the last ball of the fourth over, Fakhar wanted a second and was sent back. Had Quinton de Kock scored a direct hit at the bowler’s end, the batsman was a goner.

10:23 hrs IST: Oh dear, this is not looking good for South Africa. AB de Villiers is clutching his hamstring and he is struggling a bit. Meanwhile, Zaman helps himself to two consecutive fours off Parnell

10:21 hrs IST: Another great shot from Zaman. Slightly full from Rabada outside off, the left-hander leans foward and caresses the drive to the long off fence. Pakistan 12/0 after three overs.

10:20 hrs IST: Clang! Oh boy, that is nasty from Rabada. He gets this short ball to zip through and Zaman goes for the pull but gets hit on the helmet. The batsman is alright though.

10:18 hrs IST: The umbrellas are coming out and there is rain in the air. Well, when it is Edgbaston, what more can you expect? There is a thick grey cover overhead.

10:15 hrs IST: Great start to Fakhar Zaman’s international career. Short and wide ball from Wayne Parnell, he cuts it to the deep backward point fence. Next ball, Parnell beats the outside edge with a delivery that bounces a tad more.

10:14 hrs IST: Decent first over from Rabada. On and around off stump and a bit of swing. Pakistan are 2/0 in the first over.

10:10 hrs IST: We are out for the chase. Azhar Ali and Fakhar Zaman, the debutant, have come out to open. Kagiso Rabada will open the bowling.

9:44 hrs IST: Miller wallops a drive and finds the boundary at deep extra cover. South Africa have ended on 219/8 and this gives them immense hope after being reduced to 118/6. Pakistan have an uphill task on their hand under lights, considering the potency of the South African attack.

9:36 hrs IST: This is the over that South Africa needed. Rabada finds the edge and the ball goes away to the third man fence. 14 runs in the 49th over but Rabada perishes thanks to a great catch from Hasan Ali. The batsman miscued the sliced drive and Hasan takes the catch at deep cover.

9:33 hrs IST: WHAM! That is a great hit from Miller. His third six. Full ball and on off stump, Miller gets underneath the delivery and slams it over long off for his third six. South Africa have crossed 200.

9:31 hrs IST: Two overs to go and South Africa are 197/7. Can they get to 220? That will be a good total on this deck.

9:28 hrs IST: First boundary in nine overs. Can you believe it? A rare bad ball and Kagiso Rabada pulls it to the deep mid wicket fence for a boundary. South Africa near 200.

9:27 hrs IST: Another excellent over from Junaid in the death overs. Seven overs are up in the death and not a single boundary has been hit. This is sensational bowling.

9:22 hrs IST: Still no boundaries in the death. Junaid and Amir have bowled brilliantly. This will be some feat if they do not concede any boundaries in the death overs.

9:18 hrs IST: Another great over from Junaid. Just four runs in the over. So far, Pakistan have conceded just 19 runs in just four overs of the death.

9:13 hrs IST: No boundaries hit in three overs of the death so far. Junaid and Amir are nailing the yorkers at will and not giving South Africa much leeway.

9:08 hrs IST: Review by Junaid Khan for an LBW. That has to be the worst review in this tournament so far. Rabada digs out the yorker and the bowler thinks it has hit him on the boot, Sarfraz takes the review but replays show it is coming right out of the middle of the bat. Groan!

9:06 hrs IST: Miller punches a full ball to mid off and takes a quick single to notch up his 10th fifty. This has been a splendid knock but South Africa will be hoping that he carries on.

9:05 hrs IST: WICKET! Junaid finally gets his man. Full ball on off stump, Morris mistimes the lofted shot and he holes out to long on. Moment he hit that shot, Morris knew he was a goner.

Junaid Khan clean bowled Chris Morris but he was denied as he had overstepped. (REUTERS)
Junaid Khan clean bowled Chris Morris but he was denied as he had overstepped. (REUTERS)

9:01 hrs IST: Superb bowling from Amir in the death. Four yorkers and as a result, just three runs in the over. South Africa 163/6 in 42 overs.

8:57 hrs IST: Not a good start for Pakistan in the death overs. Had they got Miller and Morris, they would have restricted them to under 200. Now, they are facing the prospect of a Miller onslaught in the coming overs.

8:53 hrs IST: Morris is clean bowled by Junaid Khan but once again, he survives. The bowler has overstepped. This is proving to be fatal for Pakistan.

8:50 hrs IST: OUT! Miller has been given LBW by umpire Richard Ilingworth. However, the left-hander reviews it and the replays show that it is missing leg stump. Lucky escape for South Africa.

Chris Morris shared a crucial stand with David Miller for the seventh wicket. (REUTERS)
Chris Morris shared a crucial stand with David Miller for the seventh wicket. (REUTERS)

8:43 hrs IST: Morris brings up the team 150 with a slog sweep of Shadab Khan. This partnership will worry Pakistan.

8:40 hrs IST: Good ball from Amir. He angles this short ball across outside off and it leaps up from the deck, Morris taps at it and the edge rolls down to third man.

8:36 hrs IST: It looks like the plan for South Africa will be to hang in until the 40th over and then go all out for a target of over 200.

8:29 hrs IST: Miller is nearing a fifty but he needs support from the other end. With 15 overs left, South Africa would be hoping to bat out the full innings.

8:22 hrs IST: Another over ticks by and South Africa hang in. Pakistan are going for the kill. After 34 overs, South Africa are 128/6.

Hasan Ali picked up three wickets as Pakistan were on top against South Africa. (REUTERS)
Hasan Ali picked up three wickets as Pakistan were on top against South Africa. (REUTERS)

8:19 hrs IST: A total in excess of 200 is must for South Africa. Under lights in Birmigham, Kagiso Rabada and Morne Morkel, along with Wayne Parnell, could wreck havoc. The Proteas pace attack, Phew!

8:15 hrs IST: Another tight over from Shadab Khan. Pakistan need to finish the job quickly and bowl South Africa out for under 200.

8:10 hrs IST: No hat-trick for Hasan Ali. Miller and Chris Morris, who has evolved into a finisher in the recent past, now have a massive job on hand. South Africa have to get past 200 to make this a contest.

8:05 hrs IST: WICKET! Two in two for Hasan Ali. He stays round the wicket and gets this good length delivery to straighten on off stump, Wayne Parnell plays down the wrong line and his off stump is knocked out. Wayne Parnell b Hasan Ali 0 (1).

Hasan Ali picked up two wickets in one over to leave South Africa in tatters in Edgbaston. (AP)
Hasan Ali picked up two wickets in one over to leave South Africa in tatters in Edgbaston. (AP)

8:02 hrs IST: WICKET! Hasan Ali comes round the wicket and bowls a full delivery outside off, Duminy goes for the drive and the edge is taken at widish second slip. JP Duminy c Babar Azam b Hasan Ali 8 (14).

7:56 hrs IST: Miller ends the over in style as he launches Hafeez over long on for his second six. Hafeez ends his spell with figures of 10-0-51-1.

7:55 hrs IST: Shahid Afridi has tweeted that Pakistan have started off well, but has stressed on the fact that they need to sustain this great start.

7:50 hrs IST: Miller breaks the shackles with a big six off Hafeez by lofting the bowler over the fence at long on. SA need to counter-attack here.

7:46 hrs IST: Duminy and Miller have a big job in hand as far as rebuilding the innings is concerned. A total in excess of 270 will be big on this wicket. After 25 overs, South Africa are 97/4

7:37 hrs IST: WICKET! Dragged on. Good length ball outside off stump, du Plessis plays away from the body and gets an inside edge back on to the stumps.

Faf du Plessis and David Miller steadied the ship for South Africa. (AFP)
Faf du Plessis and David Miller steadied the ship for South Africa. (AFP)

7:34 hrs IST: First boundary after eight overs as du Plessis paddle sweeps a flighted ball from Hafeez to fine leg for a boundary. South Africa are 90/3 after 22 overs

7:32 hrs IST: Miller and du Plessis have got a partnership going but South Africa will have to build this stand for the next 10-12 overs if they are aiming for a big score.

7:29 hrs IST: Pakistan fans will want to see this replay over and over again. Here is the moment when AB de Villiers fell for a golden duck for the first tiem in his career.

7:27 hrs IST: South Africa have not hit a single boundary for over six overs now. The run-rate is under four and Pakistan are applying the pressure well here.

AB de Villiers fell for a duck for the sixth time in ICC events. (REUTERS)
AB de Villiers fell for a duck for the sixth time in ICC events. (REUTERS)

7:20 hrs IST: Hafeez’s spell reads 5-0-19-1. Imad, on the other hand, has great figures of 6-0-13-2. The more interesting stat is that out of seven ODI ducks for AB de Villiers, he has six in ICC events.

7:17 hrs IST: Huge onus on Faf du Plessis and David Miller. South Africa bat deep but this will be a real tester on a wicket that is giving the spinners some help

7:09 hrs IST: WICKET! OMG! This is massive. AB de Villiers falls for a golden duck for the first time in his ODI career. Short and wide ball from Imad and de Villiers slaps it straight to point. AB de Villiers c Hafeez b Imad Wasim 0 (1).

Mohammad Hafeez got the wicket of Quinton de Kock for 33 (REUTERS)
Mohammad Hafeez got the wicket of Quinton de Kock for 33 (REUTERS)

7:03 hrs IST: WICKET! Quinton de Kock attempts the sweep but Hafeez gets the tossed up delivery to straighten on middle and leg stump and he is trapped in front. Quinton de Kock LBW Mohammad Hafeez 33 (49).

7:00 hrs IST: De Kock continues to bat steadily. He will be the key along with du Plessis if South Africa are to do well in the middle overs.

6:55 hrs IST: Considering the fact that there is a left-hander operating, it makes sense to bowl Hafeez as he has a good record against left-handed batsmen.

6:52 hrs IST: The team 50 is up for South Africa in 11 overs. It looks like they will be facing trial by spin in this match.

6:48 hrs IST: Spinners on from both ends. Mohammad Hafeez, who surprisingly did not bowl in the game against India, comes into the attack now while Imad is putting in a good show so far.

6:39 hrs IST: WICKET! Imad Wasim strikes. He gets the flatter delivery to straighten and Amla is trapped on the back foot as he looks to play across the line, is out LBW.

Quinton de Kock held firm for South Africa (AFP)
Quinton de Kock held firm for South Africa (AFP)

6:30 hrs IST: This has been a great start for Pakistan. The run-rate is just over four. However, South Africa are not too perturbed. Amla pulls a short ball to find the boundary and South Africa move to 30/0 in seven overs.

6:28 hrs IST: Pakistan are a lot sharper in the field today. They have stopped some boundaries but South Africa have made steady progress to 25/0 after six overs.

6:25 hrs IST: Junaid and Amir are hitting the right areas on a consistent basis. They have not allowed South Africa to get off to a flier in the powerplay overs. The key will be to sustain it.

6:21 hrs IST: Amir is troubling Amla with a bit of swing and peppering him with the bouncer. This is a good ploy.

6:17 hrs IST: Edged but safe! De Kock stabs at a length delivery outside off and the edge flies to the third man boundary. Streaky but they count. South Africa 14/0 after 4 overs.

6:15 hrs IST: OUCH! De Kock gets hit in the box. Junaid gets this length delivery to zip back in and the batsman gets an inside edge but it hits him flush in the middle.

Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir started off steadily for Pakistan in the game against South Africa. (AP)
Junaid Khan and Mohammad Amir started off steadily for Pakistan in the game against South Africa. (AP)

6:14 hrs IST: Another good over from Amir. Amla gets an inside edge and the ball just misses the stump. South Africa will have to survive this testing period from both left-arm pacers.

Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan got Pakistan off to a great start. (AP)
Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan got Pakistan off to a great start. (AP)

6:09 hrs IST: Play and a miss from Amla as he looks to cut a short and wide ball. Junaid start well as South Africa are 7/0 after two overs. The weather is sunny and this pitch should be good for batting now. Under lights, it will be a different proposition.

6:06 hrs IST: Junaid Khan will open the bowling from the other end. He was sorely missed in the clash against India.

6:04 hrs IST: De Kock finds the gap nicely. Amir provides a bit of width and the left-hander cracks it past the gap at point for three runs. Steady start as South Africa end the first over on 4/0.

5:59 hrs IST: Right, the national anthems are done. Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla will open the batting and Mohammad Amir will start proceedings. By the way, the South Africa jersey looks a bit like the Brazilian Selecao today, more of yellow and less of green. Maybe because Pakistan have the same shade of green.

5:51 hrs IST: The last ICC encounter between Pakistan and South Africa was in the 2015 ICC Cricket World Cup in Auckland and Pakistan survived an AB de Villiers blitz to win by 29 runs in a rain-affected match.

5:42 hrs IST: The scenario in Group B is simple. If South Africa win and India win their game tomorrow against Sri Lanka, both teams will qualify for the semi-final. However, a Pakistan win will throw the whole group wide open.

5:36 hrs IST: Here are the playing XIs of both the teams

Pakistan: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed(w/c), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Junaid Khan, Hasan Ali

South Africa: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock(w), Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers(c), David Miller, Jean-Paul Duminy, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir

5:32 hrs IST: South Africa have won the toss and chose to bat. Pakistan have included Junaid Khan in addition to Fakhar Zaman.

5:26 hrs IST: Shoaib Malik has presented the ODI cap to Fakhar Zaman and he will make his debut. The 27-year-old has played three T20Is.

5:17 hrs IST: The last encounter between South Africa and Pakistan in the 2013 Champions Trophy was also a day-night affair and South Africa won the contest by 67 runs.

5:09 pm: South Africa have a good record at Edgbaston, Birmingham. South Africa have secured wins in both their previous Champions Trophy games at Edgbaston (Pakistan in 2013, Bangladesh in 2004).

5:04 pm: There won’t be a clash of jersey colours today. Both Pakistan and South Africa traditionally wear green. but the Proteas will be playing in their yellow kit today.

4:53 pm: Here’s a piece of trivia for you: On this day in 1975, the first ICC Cricket World Cup began! England won the first match against India at Lord’s and West Indies became the first champions.

Clive Lloyd was the West Indies skipper when they won the first cricket World Cup. The ICC Champions Trophy started as the Mini World Cup in 1998 in Dhaka. (ICC)
Clive Lloyd was the West Indies skipper when they won the first cricket World Cup. The ICC Champions Trophy started as the Mini World Cup in 1998 in Dhaka. (ICC)

4:30 pm: Exactly 60 minutes to toss and the South Africans were the first to arrive at Edgbaston. Pakistan have won three of their last four ODIs against South Africa, this coming on the back of just one victory in their previous seven encounters.

3:41 pm: Shahid Afridi is playing role from behind the scenes. The mercurial former captain is now a columnist for ICC and has been egging on Sarfraz Ahmed’s team through his writings.

“Pakistan will have to turn things around really fast after its forgettable performance against India. More than the margin of defeat, the listless and abject surrender must be hurting the squad,” wrote Afridi.

“Pakistan batsmen need to free their minds and play with a positive mindset, which would allow them to go after the bowling while rotating the strike intelligently,” Afridi added.

3:35 pm: Who is Rumman Raees? Raees has never featured in a one-day international for Pakistan but made his debut for the national side in the Twenty20 format against West Indies last year.

The 25-year-old Karachi-based bowler was the third-highest wicket-taker in the second edition of the Pakistan Super League earlier this year. He has also racked up an impressive tally of 64 wickets in 42 matches in List A cricket at an economy rate of 4.77.

3:25 pm: Will left-arm seamer Rumman Raees, the man who replaced Wahab Riaz, play vs South Africa today?

3:23 pm: Pakistan is surely missing their senior players. The absence of Shahid Afridi, Younis Khan, the Akmal brothers and more importantly, Misbah-ul-Haq has robbed Pakistan cricket team of their composure during difficult times.

3:15 pm: Who is the best ODI batsman in the world? Here’s the history of ODI cricket batting chart.

2:47 pm: Riaz suffered an ankle injury during Pakistan’s defeat to arch-rivals India in their Group B clash on Sunday. The 31-year-old left the field in the 46th over of India’s innings and scans confirmed he had suffered a deltoid ligament complex injury.

2:44 pm: Nothing has gone right for Pakistan in this edition of the ICC Champions Trophy. Wahab Riaz, their veteran pacer, is out of the tournament after an injury during the India match on Sunday.

2:24 pm: Pakistan fans, as emotional as ever, are buoying their players ahead of the big game at Edgbaston today. (Read)

On current form, South Africa look good to score their second straight win in group B and seal a semifinal spot. South Africa coasted to a comfortable win against Sri Lanka to start their ICC Champions Trophy campaign.

But there’s no reason why Pakistan can’t lift their game.

Pakistan did that the previous time the two sides met -- at the World Cup 2015 in Auckland when the bowlers delivered a brilliant win.

Pakistan’s followers would be hoping that their side can produce an encore. A victory here will not only keep the side alive, but also make Group B so much more interesting.

THE CONDITIONS

This, unfortunately, isn’t looking too promising, as has been the case over the last few days. There is possibility of rain on Wednesday evening, which could mar the second half of the game. The match starts at 6 PM IST.

The previous two games in Birmingham were also affected by rain, with one of them, Australia v New Zealand, ending without a result.

It’s also the second and last day-night game of the tournament; the first day-night game, Australia v Bangladesh on Monday, was ended prematurely by inclement weather and ended four overs shy of Australia scoring an easy win.

But if rain does stay away, the pitch should produce some runs. In the two games here, New Zealand made 291 in 45 overs and India 319 in 48, but a used pitch could also bring in spinners.

THE MATCH-UP

Mohammad Amir v Hashim Amla

If Pakistan is to have a chance in the game, it has to get past this man, Hashim Amla. He makes runs without fuss, dismantling the opposition with class and elegance. He is in great form as well – as he almost always is – beginning the tournament with a record 25th ODI century.

(With ICC inputs)

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