Women's T20 WC: When and where to watch SA vs PAK, know all details
Edgbaston, June 16
Pakistan and South Africa meet at Edgbaston in Birmingham on Wednesday with both sides desperate to revive their T20 World Cup campaigns after heavy defeats in their opening Group A fixtures. Having suffered convincing losses to India and Australia respectively, the contest has quickly turned into a must-win encounter for two teams already under pressure.
Pakistan were thoroughly outplayed by India, folding for 106 after conceding 170. Muneeba Ali's 41 was the lone bright spot as the batting struggled against spin, particularly Deepti Sharma, whose 5/10 dismantled the middle order.
South Africa endured a similarly forgettable outing, losing by 64 runs to Australia despite Laura Wolvaardt's 44 and Nadine de Klerk's 25. Only Marizanne Kapp managed to join them in double figures as the batting failed to counter Australia's four-pronged spin attack, which shared eight wickets.
Both teams now face another stern examination against quality slow bowling. Pakistan are expected to rely on Sadia Iqbal and Nashra Sandhu, while South Africa will once again turn to Nonkululeko Mlaba. The battle against spin could once again define the outcome.
Recent form offers little encouragement for Pakistan, who have won just seven of their last 20 T20Is, with four victories coming against Ireland and Zimbabwe. South Africa, meanwhile, entered the tournament after reaching the finals of the last three ICC global events, making their opening defeat all the more surprising.
With the group beginning to take shape after India and Australia made emphatic starts, another defeat would leave either Pakistan or South Africa with an uphill task of reaching the knockout stage.
When: Wednesday, June 17, 11:00 PM IST
Where: Edgbaston, Birmingham
Where to watch: The SA vs PAK match will be broadcast on Star Sports channels, with JioHotstar live-streaming the game.
Squads:
South Africa: Laura Wolvaardt (c), Tazmin Brits, Nadine de Klerk, Annerie Dercksen, Shabnim Ismail, Sinalo Jafta, Marizanne Kapp, Ayabonga Khaka, Sune Luus, Karabo Meso, Nonkululeko Mlaba, Kayla Reyneke, Tumi Sekhukhune, Chloe Tryon, Dane van Niekerk
Pakistan: Fatima Sana (c), Gull Feroza, Ayesha Zafar, Iram Javed, Eyman Fatima, Aliya Riaz, Natalia Parvaiz, Saira Jabeen, Muneeba Ali, Tuba Hassan, Rameen Shamim, Sadia Iqbal, Nashra Sandhu, Diana Baig, Tasmia Rubab
— IANS
Reader Comments
As a neutral observer, this is a fascinating match-up. Pakistan's batting fragility against spin is concerning - Muneeba Ali needs more support. South Africa have the experience edge with players like Kapp and Wolvaardt, but their mental block in big tournaments persists. The spin battle between Sadia Iqbal and Nonkululeko Mlaba could be decisive!
That Deepti Sharma performance was pure magic! But honestly, I feel for Pakistan - they have talent but need better preparation. South Africa should win this but their history of choking in crucial games makes it interesting. Let's hope both teams put up a fight worthy of the World Cup stage! 🙌
This early in the tournament, neither team should panic. Pakistan's batting lineup has potential - need to work on shot selection against quality spin. South Africa's bowling attack, especially Kapp and Khaka, can trouble anyone. I'd give slight edge to Proteas based on recent ICC finals experience, but Pakistan's never-say-die attitude could surprise everyone!
Both teams need to focus on basics - rotate strike, build partnerships, and most importantly, play spin better. The Edgbaston pitch traditionally assists spinners so this could be another low-scoring thriller. South Africa's squad depth gives them advantage. My prediction: South Africa by 15-20 runs, but Pakistan's fight will make it interesting! 🔍
Cricket fan from Australia here. Interesting to see how both teams recover after heavy defeats. Pakistan's spin attack with Sadia Iqbal is their strength
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