Last Updated on 11 months by Charbel Coorey

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction Fantasy Cricket Tips Possible XI Pitch Report: ODI World Cup 2023 Match 26 | Chennai pitch report

The last time South Africa beat Pakistan in an ODI World Cup match was way back in 1999. They arguably have no better chance than now to break that jinx, with the red-hot Proteas strong favourites against a Pakistan team on the brink.

Indeed, the Pakistanis have barely fired a shot, especially with the ball. South Africa, on the other hand, have been utterly dominant when batting first. Such a situation should mean that Pakistan’s best chance is batting first, but their defence – or lackthereof – of a 280+ score against Afghanistan is certainly worrying. Babar Azam in particular is under pressure, with his captaincy leaving plenty to be desired in terms of field placements, bowling changes and general proactivity.

With Australia and New Zealand to play tomorrow, Pakistan have the chance to either go level with Australia or sit just two points behind both. Also, this World Cup is in need of a Pakistan win, given that victory for the Proteas could mean a whole bunch of dead-rubbers at the backend of the group stage. To do that, Pakistan need to make inroads early with the ball, exposing the strong South African middle order as soon as possible. With the bat, intent is the order of the day, with Iftikhar Ahmed’s batting form a positive they can look to build on.

In this article, we will look at some fantasy cricket tips, the possible playing XIs, and Chennai pitch report as part of our Dream11 fantasy coverage in this World Cup.

ODI World Cup 2023 Match 26: PAK vs SA Possible Playing XIs

Mohammad Nawaz has reportedly recovered from a fever and is likely to replace Usama Mir. Fakhar Zaman has been passed fit and could come in for Imam-ul-Haq. Also, Hasan Ali is out with fever, with Mohammad Wasim Jnr a chance to feature.

Pakistan: 1. Abdullah Shafique, 2. Imam-ul-Haq/Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam (c), 4. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 5. Saud Shakeel, 6. Iftikhar Ahmed, 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Usama Mir/Mohammad Nawaz, 9. Mohammad Wasim Jnr, 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi, 11. Haris Rauf

Temba Bavuma is likely to return after sitting out the last two matches with illness. Also, South Africa are likely to go in with two spinners.

South Africa: 1.  Temba Bavuma (c), 2. Quinton de Kock (wk), 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Aiden Markram, 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. David Miller, 7. Marco Jansen, 8. Keshav Maharaj, 9. Tabraiz Shamsi, 10. Kagiso Rabada, 11. Lungi Ngidi/Lizaad Williams

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction: Fantasy Cricket Tips

Pakistan:

• Fakhar Zaman has a good record against South Africa (10 inns, 544 runs, avg. 54.40, SR 101.11). He has performed well against Kagiso Rabada, striking 111 runs in 119 balls, and has been dismissed just once.
• Is this the game that Babar Azam delivers victory? The skipper averages 65.37 in ten ODIs vs South Africa (523 runs). He has a good record against Rabada (109 balls, 85 runs, one dismissal), Lungi Ngidi (33 balls, 37 runs, no dismissals), and Tabraiz Shamsi (33 balls, 38 runs, no dismissals).
• Mohammad Rizwan is Pakistan’s leading run-scorer in this World Cup (302) at an average of 75.50 and strike rate of 95.87. However, he will be looking to improve a disappointing record vs. South Africa: 5 inns, 56 runs, avg. 14.00, SR 60.86.
• Iftikhar Ahmed has conceded just 5.10 per over with the ball in this World Cup. He could find some turn on the Chennai track. Also, Iftikhar is striking at 140.27 with the bat in the tournament.
• A lot rests on Shaheen Shah Afridi. The left-armer has taken 13 wickets in eight ODIs against South Africa at an average of 29.76 and strike rate of 31.15.
• Shaheen has dismissed Quinton de Kock twice in 75 balls in ODIs (69 runs). He has also dismissed Aiden Markram twice in 25 balls (20 runs).

South Africa:

• Quinton de Kock is in rare form. The opener has belted three centuries in this World Cup, scoring 174 in his last outing against Bangladesh.
• de Kock has a middling record against Pakistan, with 566 runs at an average of 37.73 and strike rate of 86.41.
• In total, Pakistan’s spinners have taken 6/602 in 96.3 overs in this World Cup. Heinrich Klaasen has smashed 283 runs against spin in ODIs this year at an average of 56.6 and strike rate of 159.9.
• Klaasen has hit the second-most runs for South Africa in this tournament: 5 inns, 288 runs, avg. 57.60, SR 150.78.
• Aiden Markram is next with 265 runs at an average of 53.00 and strike rate of 123.83. He has made three 50+ scores in five matches. Markram could also bowl if needed, so the all-rounder is an excellent option for Dream11 fantasy cricket teams.
• Marco Jansen is having a brilliant World Cup. He has taken ten wickets in five matches (avg. 24.70) and has smashed 123 runs at a strike rate of 126.80.
• Kagiso Rabada also has ten wickets in this tournament. However, he has a poor ODI record against Pakistan, with seven wickets in nine matches at an average of 58.57. Can he turn these numbers around?

Other Stats and Facts

• Pakistan have won five of nine ODIs against South Africa since the start of 2019.
• Pakistan have lost their past three matches in this World Cup.
• Last game, Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed trying to sweep a googly by left-arm spinner Noor Ahmad. Expect Tabraiz Shamsi to try a similar tactic.
• David Miller’s career record vs Pakistan: 22 inns, 507 runs, avg. 29.82, SR 83.66.
• Haris Rauf has taken seven wickets in three ODIs vs South Africa. He has dismissed de Kock, Miller and Bavuma once each.

MA Chidambaram Stadium, Chepauk, Chennai Pitch Report and Weather

According to ESPNcricinfo, the same pitch as the Bangladesh-New Zealand match will be used for this clash. That surface had more pace in it, with Lockie Ferguson enjoying the bounce on offer.

The chasing team has won three of four matches on this ground in this World Cup. There is a chance of showers, but there should be a full match.

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction – Captain, vice-captain, team combinations

Note: The below teams are not based on the final playing XIs. We may not be able to update these in time. Use the stats and commentary in this article, as well as your own instincts, to create your teams.

PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction – Ideal Team Combination: 3-3-3-2

Option 1:

Option 2:

PAK vs SA Match Prediction – Who will win?

Pakistan’s best chance of winning is if they bat first. However, South Africa, with their form, should win.