‘Pakistan’s situation can become slightly bad if…’ – Aakash Chopra analysed Pakistan vs South Africa game in ODI World Cup 2023
Pakistan and South Africa will lock horns in the 26th match of the ODI World Cup 2023 at the M. Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai on 27 October. South Africa has had a phenomenal run in the ODI World Cup 2022 as in the five games they have played they have lost only one match and have scored one of the highest totals in the tournament. On the other hand, Pakistan has had a poor run since they lost their previous three games against India, Australia and Afghanistan.
Aakash Chopra recently analyzed the upcoming encounter and gave the Pakistan team a heads-up to stay in the game exclusively on his YouTube channel. Chopra also addressed the latest statements by the Pakistan Cricket Board, which suggested that Babar Azam might be removed from the captaincy considering Pakistan’s poor performance in the tournament.
Aakash Chopra on Pakistan’s game plan against South Africa
“If the match is on a good pitch and South Africa get to bat first and start hitting, Pakistan’s situation can become slightly bad. There is also a different atmosphere in Pakistan. There are reports from their board that they are standing with them but if you have to say that, it means you are not,” said Aakash Chopra.
“From their statements, it seems like preparations have been made to remove Babar Azam. There is no doubt that his captaincy has been ordinary, his form has also been very ordinary but he is not the only problem. You are not losing because of him. There are a lot of other reasons as well”, he added.
“South Africa will bat first if they win the toss and Pakistan will also do the same, but Pakistan’s bowling is extremely ordinary. I don’t know how they will recover and start bowling welll,” he said.
“Shadab Khan and Usama Mir – God only knows if they will play Mohammad Nawaz now or not. Abrar (Ahmed) should have been in this team. You would have got a little mystery but he isn’t there. Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up wickets in one match, bowled decently against Afghanistan as well, but that sharpness is not there”, added Aakash.