South Africa vs Pakistan: 5 things to look forward to

While Pakistan rediscovered their winning ways in their last match against Zimbabwe, South Africa are riding on the back of 2 consecutive 400+ totals, which is mammoth, even by modern day cricketing standards. A lot will be at stake for Pakistan, as a loss here will be a major setback, making every match a must-win for them henceforth.The Proteas are in red-hot form, and their key players have come good, which should be a huge worry for the Misbah-ul-Haq-led side. South Africa look like the clear favourites, and Pakistan will have to pull of a stellar performance to outdo them when the two sides meet at the Eden Park on Saturday.Here are the 5 things to look forward to ahead of this battle of the titans:

#1 The Amla-de Villiers force

The top-2 batsmen in ODI cricket have shown the world, time and again, why they are the best. While AB de Villiers punished the West Indies bowlers at will, shattering all records, Amla too recorded a brilliant 159 against Ireland. In Amla, South Africa have a dependable opener who can build the innings to perfection.

De Villiers is a match-winner in every sense of the term, and has ably led from the front. The skipper would love to bat at this ground, with its shorter boundaries, and carry the momentum forward. The combined prowess of these two batting mainstays makes South Africa a force to be reckoned with.

#2 The end of Nasir Jamshed?

Nasir Jamshed’s performances have plummeted at an inconceivable rate, and the last match was no different. In terms of form and consistency, he has reached the absolute nadir. This has not helped his team’s already poor batting performances, and has only added pressure on the middle-order. For how long will Pakistan give him a chance when the likes of Sarfraz Ahmed are waiting in line?

Will Pakistan persist with Jamshed or will Sarfraz get a look-in? Or will Younus Khan be recalled to open again? We’ll only have to wait until we find out.

#3 Big hitters meeting at a small ground

The Eden Park, with its short straight boundaries, promises to be a batsman’s paradise. The drop-in pitch is on the slightly slower side, and the power-hitters will be itching to have a go. If the likes of de Villiers, David Miller and dare we say, Shahid Afridi clear the fence at will, a high-scoring game will be on the cards. However, Auckland has had breezy evenings with light drizzles and the threat of rain looms large over the match. One can only hope that the weather doesn’t play spoilsport when these two sides take the field.

#4 Bench strength of both teams

Mohammed Irfan limped off the field without finishing his full quota of overs in the last match. Pakistan will be hoping that their pace spearhead returns to full fitness and is raring to go against the Proteas batsmen. JP Duminy had an injury concern as well, and South Africa will need him to be fit ahead of this encounter. Philander, too, is recuperating, although South Africa’s excellent show has meant that the star pacer has had to sit out. It will be interesting too see if the teams field the same XI or have to undergo a few changes.

#5 Pakistan\'s winless record

Team India aren’t the only team Pakistan have a winless World Cup record against. Pakistan have failed to beat South Africa in all three of their previous Word Cup encounters. They last met at Nottingham in the 1999 edition, when Lance Klusener demolished the Pakistan bowling attack. Misbah’s side will look to break the jinx this time around. But if the Proteas continue from where they left off the other day, chances are high that they will remain unbeaten.