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Pakistan and South Africa are all set to face each other in the 26th match of the ODI World Cup 2023. The match will take place at the iconic MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. It is worth mentioning that this will be Pakistan’s second fixture at this venue, while South Africa will play at this ground for the first time in the ongoing World Cup.
The Babar Azam-led side are coming from three consecutive losses and currently occupy the fifth position in the points table with just two victories in five games. On the other hand, the Proteas team have been in dream form, positioned at the second spot in the points tally with four wins in five matches.
As far as the previous matches of the two teams are concerned, Pakistan suffered a humiliating defeat at the hands of Afghanistan in the last encounter, while South Africa emerged victorious against Bangladesh.
ODI Stats and Records at MA Chidambaram Stadium:
- Total matches: 38
- Matches won batting first: 18
- Matches won bowling first: 19
- Average first innings score: 227
- Average second innings score: 206
- Highest total recorded: 337/7 (50 Overs) by Asia XI vs Africa XI
- Lowest total recorded: 69/10 (23.5 Overs) by Kenya vs New Zealand
- Highest score chased: 291/2 (47.5 Overs) by West Indies vs India
- Lowest score defended: 171/10 (45.4 Overs) by England vs South Africa
MA Chidambaram Stadium Pitch report:
The MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai is often referred to as Chepauk Stadium and has a reputation for being a spin-friendly ground that provides spinners with substantial assistance as the match progresses. Although the pitch initially offers good carry and bounce, making it favourable for seam bowlers, the momentum later shifts completely towards spinners. Meanwhile, batting is an uphill task at this venue during the later stages due to the deterioration of the pitch. Given these conditions, a captain winning the toss is likely to opt for batting first to establish a formidable total on the scoreboard.
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Chennai Weather Forecast:
The weather in Chennai will be bright and sunny, with very little chance of precipitation. The spectators and fans can anticipate the game to take place without any disruptions. The temperature at the venue is expected to hover around 31 degrees Celsius, with humidity levels to be around 71% and the wind blowing at a speed of 16 kmph.
PAK vs SA, possible playing XI
Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf
South Africa: Quinton de Kock (wk), Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams
