Storm clouds loom over Pakistan-South Africa clash

Published March 5, 2015
A washout will give the teams one point each. — Reuters/File
A washout will give the teams one point each. — Reuters/File

AUCKLAND: The weather may play a role in the outcome of Saturday's World Cup match between South Africa and Pakistan in Auckland, with New Zealand's MetService predicting some heavy rain showers during the afternoon.

Should the worst happen and the day-night game is washed out, Pakistan might be glad to accept a point given South Africa's recent form.

There's been only one washout in the tournament so far, the match between four-time champion Australia and Bangladesh in Brisbane. But as the World Cup progresses into the Southern Hemisphere autumn, it could become more of a concern.

In each of the last two games, against the West Indies and Ireland, South Africa has scored more than 400 runs and won by more than 200.

Pakistan's form has been far less assured. After losing their first two games against India and the West Indies, the 1992 champions have got their campaign back on track with wins over Zimbabwe and the United Arab Emirates.

South Africa coach Russell Domingo said his squad needs to be ready for anything against Pakistan. “We know that they can beat anybody on their day,” he said.

“We need to prepare really well and we need to make sure we respect the opposition and make sure we go through our processes really well over the next couple of days because their strength lies in the predictability of their unpredictability.”

He said it would be nice to bat second and chase a total, noting that Pakistan has had difficulty chasing down runs at the tournament. Domingo said he was taking a cautious approach regarding the fitness of bowler Vernon Philander.

“We need to just make sure Vernon is 100 percent ready to go because, a hamstring strain, we need to be careful about that with the important stage of the competition still to come.”

Domingo said allrounder J.P. Duminy should be fit to play, and added that he wasn't concerned about Quinton de Kock's run of low scores, saying he was a match winner and runs would likely come soon.

Thursday was sunny and warm in Auckland.

Opinion

Editorial

Afghan turbulence
Updated 19 Mar, 2024

Afghan turbulence

RELATIONS between the newly formed government and Afghanistan’s de facto Taliban rulers have begun on an...
In disarray
19 Mar, 2024

In disarray

IT is clear that there is some bad blood within the PTI’s ranks. Ever since the PTI lost a key battle over ...
Festering wound
19 Mar, 2024

Festering wound

PROTESTS unfolded once more in Gwadar, this time against the alleged enforced disappearances of two young men, who...
Defining extremism
Updated 18 Mar, 2024

Defining extremism

Redefining extremism may well be the first step to clamping down on advocacy for Palestine.
Climate in focus
18 Mar, 2024

Climate in focus

IN a welcome order by the Supreme Court, the new government has been tasked with providing a report on actions taken...
Growing rabies concern
18 Mar, 2024

Growing rabies concern

DOG-BITE is an old problem in Pakistan. Amid a surfeit of public health challenges, rabies now seems poised to ...