Highlights ICC Champions Trophy 2017, Pakistan vs South Africa, cricket score and updates: Match called off; PAK win by 19 runs

Sarfraz Ahmed, Pakistan captain: Our spinners bowled impressively today, and in the right areas. Today’s fielding was excellent.

AB de Villiers, South African captain: We had lost a lot of wickets, which wasn’t good for us. Whether we were par score or short, doesn’t really matter. End of the day, we weren’t good enough, and we fell short. At the end of the day, we were outplayed. We face India at the Oval, and we know what’s required. It’s okay, just a little tweak, but nothing too serious.

“It was a team effort and the coach gave me a plan, something that I stuck to. The Man of the Match is very important for me as this is my first ICC tournament,” says Man of the Match Hasan, who admits to trying to make up for the dropped catch of Yuvraj Singh in the previous game, which translated into a two fine catches.

Hasan Ali has been adjudged the Man of the Match for his figures of 8-1-24-3.

Did you know?

This is Pakistan’s first win in ICC Champions Trophy  after losing six consecutive matches. Their last win before today in ICC Champions Trophy came against India in 2009.

Over three decades of following cricket has taught me something: never predict the result of a match involving Pakistan and/or West Indies.

— Abhishek Mukherjee (@ovshake42) June 7, 2017

Terrific win for Pakistan. So hard to choose which two sides will come out of Group B.

— Dean Wilson (@deanbwilson) June 7, 2017

With this win, Pakistan snap their six-match losing streak in the Champions Trophy. They had last won in the competition in the 2009 edition of the tournament, having beaten India by 54 runs.

That’s it. The umpires walk out to the centre, and decide that there can be no further play this evening. With the match getting abandoned, Pakistan win by 19 runs (DLS method), and keep their semi-final hopes alive in the process!

Less than an hour left now before the match is officially called off, and the latest updates coming in from Edgbaston confirm a persistent drizzle at the venue. A minimum of three overs are needed for play to restart, with Pakistan 19 runs ahead in terms of par score at the moment.

still raining. very close to end now, you'd think.

— George Dobell (@GeorgeDobell1) June 7, 2017

So it does seem Pakistan might win this.
Opens up the group. If India wins tomorrow india should be thru either way on run rate.

— Boria Majumdar (@BoriaMajumdar) June 7, 2017

England weather hs become more unpredictable than Men in Green. It sprung many surprises. Spectators enjoyed more rain than cricket #SAvsPAK

— Tahir Ibn Manzoor (@TahirIbnManzoor) June 7, 2017

To restart match we need at least 3 ovs (in which Pak will need 7 runs). Pak won't bat if its less than 3 ovs cos target is already achieved

— Mazher Arshad (@MazherArshad) June 7, 2017

9pm... We are now losing overs. To be honest, it doesn't look like restarting. But.... we wait. #CT17 #PakvSA

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 7, 2017

Less than five minutes left before the match officials start deducting overs. It’s still raining out there at Edgbaston right now, as per latest reports.

Rain eased at Edgbaston. Three super soppers in action. Covers firmly in place.

— John Etheridge (@JohnSunCricket) June 7, 2017

Should Pakistan hold on to this one and SL upstage India tomorrow, the tournament will receive the (rainless) rev-up it badly needs #PAKvSA

— Arun Venugopal (@scarletrun) June 7, 2017

Very heavy rain now. If there's no more play Pakistan would win by 18 runs (D/L) #PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/P58IAj81ba

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 7, 2017

Mickey Arthur born in Johannesburg, today coaching Pakistan v S Africa
Imran Tahir born in Lahore, today playing for S Africa v Pak#CT17

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 7, 2017

So cold and damp reckon it would be a 30-45 minute clean up. Hard to see that window tbh... #ct17

— Innocent Bystander (@InnoBystander) June 7, 2017

Have to wait 50 minutes before we lose overs. That's 8.56 local time. Match cut-off is even later... 10.26pm local time. #CT17 #PakvSA

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 7, 2017

Shoain Malik has batted smartly and put Pak ahead of the game in Duckworth & Lewis calculations. Threat of rain very real and teams come off field. SA may just be at the receiving end this time. Pak ahead of par score by 19 runs at this point.

Shoaib Malik has shown great urgency and played risk-free boundary shots. Logic would demand no more rash shots and strike rotation. Which brings me back to why Sarfraz and Malik need to bat up the order. Hafeez takes away too much out of the innings. Pakistan would ideally want Malik and Babar to bat through from here but Pakistan’s batting history will suggest we have more drama in store!

And we have an interruption due to rain at the moment, with the covers coming out right now. What is important to note is the fact that Pakistan are 19 runs ahead in terms of the par score.

After 27 overs,Pakistan 119/3 ( Babar Azam 31 , Shoaib Malik 16)

Front-foot no-ball by Rabada in the third ball, though he makes up for it by not giving anything away in the free-hit. Meanwhile, it is raining at Edgbaston right now, with Pakistan in a position of advantage at the moment. Six off the over, with Babar guiding the last ball of the over down the ground for a boundary.

After 26 overs,Pakistan 113/3 ( Babar Azam 27 , Shoaib Malik 15)

Malik decides to attack Morkel in this over, cutting the third delivery towards the point boundary. Azam goes for a similar shot after getting the strike in the fifth delivery, and guides the ball towards the backward point boundary. Expensive over by Morkel, with 9 coming off it.

After 25 overs,Pakistan 104/3 ( Babar Azam 23 , Shoaib Malik 10)

Rabada returns the to the attack in this over. Malik tees off in this over, getting back-to-back boundaries. Good counterattack by the batting all-rounder, with the boundaries also bringing up the 100 for Pakistan, who are ahead in terms of the par score. Nine off this over.

There are small margins in low run chases. The margin here was in rotating the strike when Hafeez went on a blockathon. It is very hard to explain why he batted the way he did.  An extra 20-25 runs here would have been nice, for sure. Unnecessary pressure, this.

That wicket came just when it looked like Pak were getting on top. Superb catch by Imran Tahir off a skied pull shot at fine leg to dismiss Md Hafeeez. Wicket should pep up SA. Morkel really behind his back. This match is far from over. SA fighting tooth and nail.

And yes, Rabada is back!

After 24 overs,Pakistan 95/3 ( Babar Azam 23 , Shoaib Malik 1)

A successful over for South Africa. Morkel gives away just two runs and sends back Hafeez. He tries something now and goes over the wicket in order to try and bounce out the batsman but Malik is cautious. Pakistan will again look to rebuild. Meanwhile, De Villiers, it seems, has asked Rabada to come on in the next over.

Shoaib Malik is the new batsman.

OUT! The bowling change works! Morkel removes Hafeez!

South Africa needed this desperately. Morkel does what he does the best. Bounce out the batsmen. It’s short outside off, Hafeez goes for the pull but gets a top edge to fine leg where Tahir charges forward and takes a brilliant diving catch. He lets out a roar with arma outstretched.

We spoke of doing something different and De Villiers brings back Morkel!

After 23 overs, Pakistan 93/2 ( Babar Azam 23 , Mohammad Hafeez 26)

A decent over for Pakistan. A couple of cracking shots one each from Hafeez and Babar but both went straight to the deep cover fielder. Duminy misfields one and allows Pakistan a single. Babar finally finds the gap as he cracks one through point off the penultimate ball to make it 7 off the over. The 50 stand is up. De Villiers needs to do something different here.

After 22 overs,Pakistan 86/2 ( Babar Azam 18 , Mohammad Hafeez 24)

Hafeez dances down the pitch, and lofts Tahir down the ground for his first six! Good use of the feet by the experienced batsman. Appeal for lbw by Tahir in the subsequent delivery, but it was missing the leg-stump, and thus turned down. And Pakistan thus move ahead of South Africa in terms of par-score in this over.

After 21 overs,Pakistan 78/2 ( Babar Azam 17 , Mohammad Hafeez 17)

Parnell returns to the attack in the 21st over. He was hammered for runs in his two initial overs, and will look to make amends for the same now. Hafeez punches the first delivery towards deep extra cover, and gets a couple of runs, which are the only collected in this over.

After 20 overs,Pakistan 76/2 ( Babar Azam 17 , Mohammad Hafeez 15)

Hafeez nearly plays onto his stumps after failing to pick a wrong ‘un from Tahir properly. Big appeal for lbw in the second delivery against Azam, and SA opt to review it after it gets turned down. The only factor that saves him from the slow walk back to the pavilion is the height factor, with hawkeye showing the ball travelling over the stumps. Four runs off the over. Meanwhile, the two batsmen have built a steady partnership worth 35 at the end of this over.

After 19 overs,Pakistan 72/2 ( Babar Azam 16 , Mohammad Hafeez 13)

Morris into his fifth over, and he has been tight as well barring one expensive over. Azam lobs the second ball of the over towards the leg side, with the ball landing well beyond the midwicket fielder, allowing the batsman to collect a couple of runs. Hafeez punches the fourth delivery towards the point boundary, trying to break the rut, though agile fielding by Tahir saves a run. Azam pulls the last ball towards the fine-leg fence to finally get a boundary after long. 10 off the over.

Still trying to wrap my head around this. 9 runs off the last 5 overs. What are Pakistan thinking? Why do they want to give South Africa a foot through the backdoor?

After 18 overs,Pakistan 62/2 ( Babar Azam 9 , Mohammad Hafeez 10)

Tahir into his second over. Appeals for a caught behind after drawing Azam forward for a drive in the second delivery, though it was the sound of his bat thudding the ground that induces the appeal. Just one run off the over, scored off the last ball.

After 17 overs,Pakistan 61/2 ( Babar Azam 8 , Mohammad Hafeez 10)

Morris continues from the other end. Babar edges the first ball towards the slips, where it falls short of Amla. Morris follows it up with a slower one, which narrowly beats Azam’s outside edge. He steals a single by guiding it towards third man. Just one run off the over, with Hafeez seeing off the remainder of the over.

SA need another wicket before long. Hafeez and Babar not damaging the SA cause by their slow scoring rate. But the longer they stay at the crease Pakistan and its supporters will breathe easy. Morkel and Morris bowled well, making the ball climb disconcertingly from a length. Their height and pace obviously helped. Leg spinner Imran Tahir has started well but needs to provide quick breakthroughs.

After 16 overs,Pakistan 60/2 ( Babar Azam 7 , Mohammad Hafeez 10)

Change of bowling, with Tahir getting introduced into the attack. The Pakistani spinners earlier caused mayhem for the South African top-order in the previous innings, getting decent purchase from the pitch. Remains to be seen if Tahir can make use of the conditions as well. Decent first over for Tahir, with three singles coming off it.

Imran Tahir has taken 67 wickets in middle-overs (11-40) in ODIs since 2015 which is the most by any bowler.

After 15 overs,Pakistan 57/2 ( Babar Azam 5 , Mohammad Hafeez 9)

Morris into his third over. Hafeez and Azam will have to worry about Pakistan being behind in terms of par score, with a drizzle making its presence felt a while ago. Tidy over by Morris, with just two coming off it.

After 14 overs,Pakistan 55/2 ( Babar Azam 4 , Mohammad Hafeez 8)

Morkel into his fifth delivery. Azam tries pulling the second delivery of the over — a vicious bouncer — and misses. Connects in his pull in the fourth delivery, though getting only a single this time. Just two off the over, including a leg-bye.

After 13 overs,Pakistan 53/2 ( Babar Azam 3 , Mohammad Hafeez 8)

Hafeez edges the third delivery of Morris’ second over, wide of Amla at slip, and gets his first boundary in the process. Wide conceded in the fifth delivery, which brings the team 50 up. A much better over for Pakistan, with eight coming off it. Looks like the two batsmen have had enough of the Test approach by now.

After 12 overs,Pakistan 44/2 ( Babar Azam 2 , Mohammad Hafeez 1)

Azam collects a single in the second ball of the over after cutting it to third man. The run is accompanied by a cheer from the Pakistani fans, who also cheer for a leg-bye in the last ball of the over. Morkel’s bowled a terrific spell so far, and has truly turned the game around.

Babar and Hafeez need to at least rotate the strike here. 10 runs in the last 5 overs for Pakistan and that just amps up the pressure on the batters. How long can they just block and get away from it? Singles pelase! ​

After 11 overs,Pakistan 42/2 ( Babar Azam 1 , Mohammad Hafeez 1)

Second bowling change of the innings. Morris introduced from the other end, and Hafeez chooses not to push for any runs in this over either, making it three dots in a row. Curious approach by the two batsmen out there, with Pakistan cricketer Imran Nazir questioning the absence of rotation of strike between these two batsmen in a post on Twitter.

After 10 overs,Pakistan 42/2 ( Babar Azam 1 , Mohammad Hafeez 1)

Morkel continues to exert pressure from the other end, and makes it back-to-back maidens for the Proteas. The two new batsmen choosing to stay cautious at the moment.

After 9 overs,Pakistan 42/2 ( Babar Azam 1 , Mohammad Hafeez 1)

Rabada cashes in on the pressure created by Morkel in the previous over, and keeps it tight throughout, collecting the first maiden of the innings. Two new batsmen out there at the moment, and they will take their time to settle at the moment.

Fakhar Zaman’s List-A record before today:

Innings – 47, Runs – 2271, Average – 50.46, SR – 94.15, 50s/100s – 16/6 .

After 8 overs,Pakistan 42/2 ( Babar Azam 1 , Mohammad Hafeez 1)

Morne bowls what could prove to be the game-changing over, getting rid of both openers while conceding just two singles off it. Deceives Zaman with a slower ball, pitched short, while Azhar uppercuts a short ball outside off straight to Tahir at third man. South Africa are back in the game.

Pakistan being Pakistan now, for a change today. Azhar Ali has literally gifted his wicket on a platter. What was he thinking? Some theatrics from Imran Tahir after taking the catch.

A few more overs of Fakhar and Pakistan would have walked away with the game but South Africa are definitely in it now. Tails up!

OUT! Morkel beginning to turn things around now! Short ball outside off, and Azhar decides to uppercut it towards third man. Except he holes out to Tahir near the boundary rope. Morkel removes both openers now, and Pakistan suddenly are under pressure. PAK 41/2

Azhar c Tahir b Morkel 9(22)

Fakhar owes his life to the helmet. First Rabada and then Morkel hit him on the helmet with sharp, pacy bouncers. Probably resulted in him moving away to play Morkel’s next delivery. Caught in slips. Good breakthrough.

OUT! Morkel finally gets the breakthrough, and Fakhar Zaman’s cameo comes to an end. Got surprised by the slower ball, pitched slightly back of length, and ended up edging it to the slips. Pak 40/1

Zaman c Amla b Morkel 31(23)

It’s the Fakhar Zaman show here!

Pakistani fans will be wondering why Ahmad Shehzad was playing at all. He is looking to play his shots and steal those quick singles – basically everything Shahzad has forgotten to do.
His skills against short pitched bowling require work though and South African fans will be wondering why their bowlers aren’t bowling more bouncers at him.

After 7 overs,Pakistan 40/0 ( Azhar Ali 9 , Fakhar Zaman 31)

Rabada continues from the other end. Azhar helps himself to his first boundary in the second delivery of the over, pulling a back-of-length delivery from the pacer towards the square-leg boundary. Seven off the over.

After 6 overs,Pakistan 35/0 ( Azhar Ali 5 , Fakhar Zaman 30)

Morne Morkel introduced into the attack in the sixth over, with the Proteas desperate to get rid of the high-flying Zaman at the moment. Gives away three off the over. Pakistan, though, are well ahead of the Proteas at the moment in terms of par score.

After 5 overs,Pakistan 32/0 ( Azhar Ali 3 , Fakhar Zaman 29)

Zaman goes after Rabada in this over, swinging his bat in the third ball of the over, with the ball landing just short of the long-on boundary rope. Zaman then crunches the next ball through point to get his fifth boundary. This is some serious batting by the youngster, and he seems to be singlehandedly taking on the feared South African attack. Nine off the over.

After 4 overs,Pakistan 23/0 ( Azhar Ali 3 , Fakhar Zaman 20)

Superb batting by Zaman in the fourth over, cracking back-to-back boundaries in the first two deliveries, getting boundaries on both occasions. Meanwhile, ABD shifts himself to the slips in order to reduce the strain on his hamstring. Mix-up between the two batsmen in the final delivery of the over, with Zaman nearly getting run-out at the non-striker’s end.

The D/L par scores for Pakistan at the end of 20 overs which is a minimum requirement for a result are: 49/0, 58/1, 69/2, 83/3, 101/4, 122/5, 145/6, 169/7, 191/8, 207/9.

After 3 overs,Pakistan 12/0 ( Azhar Ali 2 , Fakhar Zaman 10)

Rabada pings young Zaman with a snorter in the third ball of the over, pinging him on the helmet grille. A rather rude wake-up call for the young batsman. Zaman responds by getting his second boundary in the fifth ball, pushing it down the ground with ease. ABD was giving the ball a chase down the ground on that occasion, and was visibly uncomfortable while running. Hamstring woes, maybe? Maybe the physio should look into it before the injury gets worse.

After 2 overs,Pakistan 7/0 ( Azhar Ali 2 , Fakhar Zaman 5)

Parnell shares the new ball with Rabada as usual. Debutant Zaman gets his first runs in ODI cricket with an uppercut, finding the backward point boundary to get off the mark. Parnell surprises him with a back-of-length delivery outside off that kicks up. Five off the over.

Kagiso Rabada has taken 65 wickets post ICC Cricket World Cup from 38 matches which is the most by any bowler. It’s important for him to take wickets early on to keep South Africa in the match.

After 1 over,Pakistan 2/0 ( Azhar Ali 2 , Fakhar Zaman 0)

Rabada into the first over of the Pakistani innings. Bowls a quick, tight over with five dots, giving away a double in the last delivery to miss out on a double. Rabada managed to surprise Azhar with a length ball that kicked up, and hit the batsman hard on his gloves in the fourth delivery.

Azhar Ali and debutant Fakhar Zaman walk out to bat at the start of the Pakistani innings, with Rabada bowling the first over. Let’s see if the South African attack can utilise the conditions as effeciently as their Pakistani counterparts did.

Standing ovation for Pakistan after their efforts with the ball! 👏🇵🇰#PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/aUyef5LN3k

— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2017

Hasan Ali holds (good) catch & asks crowd to cheer louder.. thrice. Probably because it doesnt happen a lot. Catching that is! #CT17 #PakvSA

— Chetan Narula (@chetannarula) June 7, 2017

That was one of the best fielding performances by Pakistan for many years. Took all their catches & brilliant ground-fielding #CT17 #PAKvSA

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 7, 2017

The lowest total defended by South Africa in ICC ODI tournaments is 199 which they defended against Sri Lanka at Northampton in 1999.

Least boundaries (4+6) in an ICC CT innings: (50 overs batted)

12 – South Africa v Pakistan ,Birmingham, 2017* 
12 – Sri Lanka v India , Cardiff, 2013
14 – New Zealand v Zimbabwe , Dhaka, 1998

Pakistan have exceeded expectations at the half-way mark. They did let South Africa get away a little in the last few overs and, with a top quality bowling attack, South Africa will fancy their chances if they can get a few wickets at the start. But do Pakistan believe they can win this one? Chasing is a psychological battle for them, as we know.

Rabada and Miller scored 48 off 39 balls for the 9th wicket and Sarfraz might wonder if he should have mixed up his pacers at the death a little more. Overall, excellent bowling from Pakistan. Mohammad Amir will look back at the wickets column and wonder how he ended up without any wickets. Junaid Khan, too, was superb with his reverse swing. Young pacer Hassan Ali made sure Pakistan capitalised on an excellent start given by Imad Wasim and Mohammad Hafeez. 

Was this the same team that played against India?

After being reduced to 118/6 at one stage, with the Pakistani attack breathing fire, getting past 150 would have looked tough for the Proteas. Yet, David Miller produced a mature innings, and built steady partnerships with Chris Morris and Kagiso Rabada to guide South Africa past 200, and bat their overs out. The Proteas attack have something to fight for now.

The partnership between Miller and Rabada came like a breath of fresh air for SA. At 165 for 7 in the 43rd over they were in the doldrums. But these two took them past the 200 mark. Rabada batted  freely and that helped the cause. Rabada’s previous highest was 19. But the manner in which he batted in a tense situation augurs well for his and SA’s future. He fell in the 49th over for 26. The 48-run stand has given hope to SA. They are not out of the woods. But considering they have a formidable bowling unit backed by excellent fielding the 220 target might actually be worth 250. Pakistan’s batsmen  will be challenged by Rabada, Morne Morkel, Morris, Parnell and Imran Tahir.  David Miller made a very combative 75 off 104. It was SA’s lifeline. Very interesting second session on the cards. Pakistan won’t have it easy.

After 50 overs,South Africa 219/8 ( David Miller 75 , Morne Morkel 0)

Final over to be bowled by Hasan. Morkel the new batsman at the crease, though Miller is on strike. Denies the single in the first ball of the over after pulling it towards backward square-leg, and misses a slower one in the second ball of the over. Powerfully pulls the third ball towards deep midwicket, and a fumble allows him to return for a second run. Two back-to-back dots thereafter, with Miller refusing singles on both occasions. Miller ends the innings with a boundary, punching it through extra-cover and finding the boundary!

After 49 overs,South Africa 213/8 ( David Miller 69 , )

Junaid into his ninth over. SIX! Miller starting to unleash himself right now! This one was full, and in Miller’s hitting arc, and the latter wouldn’t let go of the opportunity. The shot also brings up the team 200. Junaid concedes a wide in the second delivery, hinting he’s under pressure right now. Top-edge off Rabada’s bat carries all the way through the vacant slip region for a boundary. Rabada though, perishes in the last ball while looking for a big hit, holing out to Hasan near long-off. 14 off the over along with a wicket.

OUT! Rabada is dismissed while looking for a big hit — which was the need of the hour — with Hasan taking a fine catch near long-off. Was a tough chance, as Hasan was running in the opposite direction, and the ball was swirling away. He still managed to position himself accurately to pouch it. End of the 48-run stand. SA 213/8

Rabada c Hasan b Junaid 26(23)

After 48 overs,South Africa 199/7 ( David Miller 61 , Kagiso Rabada 21)

Amir into his final over. Rabada pulls the second delivery — a short ball on this occasion — towards the midwicket boundary. First four since the 39th over. Rabada showcasing his impressive hitting ability on that occasion. Fumble by Shadab near cow-corner in the fifth delivery allows Rabada to return for a second run. Another double collected in the last ball, with 11 coming off the over. The extra runs are building up the pressure for the Pakistani attack.

After 47 overs,South Africa 188/7 ( David Miller 59 , Kagiso Rabada 12)

Miller looks to flick the second ball towards the leg side, but barely clears the circle on that occasion, and gets only a single. Signs of frustration visible in Miller’s body language. Rabada, on the other hand, is showing impressive strokeplay, though not quite getting the boundaries. Collects a double in the fourth delivery. Six off the over. Miller and Rabada, meanwhile, will look to shift gears in the last three overs.

After 46 overs,South Africa 182/7 ( David Miller 57 , Kagiso Rabada 8)

Amir into his ninth over. Singles exchanged in the first three deliveries. Amir fires another yorker in the fourth ball, with Miller squeezing it away towards backward square-leg, and returning for a second run. Decent over for the Proteas, with seven coming off it.

After 45 overs,South Africa 175/7 ( David Miller 53 , Kagiso Rabada 5)

Junaid into his seventh over. Rabada lobs the second delivery of the over down the ground, landing safely in the vacant mid-on region. Singles collected in the first three deliveries. Slower yorker in the last ball of the over, with Rabada collecting a single off it. Four off the over, with five overs now left in the South African innings.

After 44 overs,South Africa 171/7 ( David Miller 51 , Kagiso Rabada 3)

Rabada collects a single in the first ball of Amir’s eighth over. Appeal for lbw in the third ball of the over against Miller, though it was missing leg on this occasion. Four runs off this over, with Amir continuing to keep the South African batsmen on their toes.

David Miller scored a fifty from 83 balls today which is the slowest for him in ODIs.

47-run partnership between Morris and Miller comes to an end as the crowd sings along to Pakistan’s most famous anthem – Dil Dil Pakistan. Junaid picks up a wicket here but credit must also go to Amir for an excellent three-over spell here. Top notch reverse swing bowing on display. Does this remind anyone of the 2009 World T20 semi final bowling from Umar Gul?

After 43 overs,South Africa 167/7 ( David Miller 50 , Kagiso Rabada 1)

Junaid into his sixth over, which turns out to be one of the most eventful in the innings so far. He gets the breakthrough in the third ball of the over, when Morris decides to attack but doesn’t get hold of his slog well enough, and holes out to long-on. Miller gets to his 10th ODI fifty in the next delivery. Junaid appeals for an lbw against Rabada in the last ball of the over, and convinces his skipper to review after being turned down. Except, Rabada clearly got some bat onto that.

Fifty for David Miller! What a fighting innings this has been by the middle-order batsman against a rampaging Pakistani attack, and he gets to his 10th ODI half-century in 83 deliveries. He’ll hope to stick around till the end in order to get the Proteas to a competitive total. This is also his slowest fifty in ODIs till date.

What makes bowlers of Amir’s caliber special is the ability to put in a great effort ball just when the batsman is least expecting it. That superb yorker to a well set David Miller was one such special effort. Except that it was not in line with the stumps. To deceive a well set top order batsman in that  manner is outstanding. It also reveals what an amazing talent this left arm Pakistani pacer man is. He’s right there with the best of former Pakistan fast bowlers in terms of talent. SA have a huge challenge in these slog overs facing two good fast bowlers. The loss of Chris Morris at a very inopportune time has further set them back. SA simply do not have enough runs on the board at this point of time.

OUT! Junaid finally manages to break the partnership in his sixth over! Morris perishes while looking to get a big hit, holing out to Hasan at long-on! Didn’t connect well on that occasion, though it was getting imperative for him to start attacking. SA 165/7

Morris c Hasan b Junaid 28(45)

After 42 overs,South Africa 163/6 ( David Miller 48 , Chris Morris 27)

Full toss by Amir in the first ball, with Morris lobbing it up in the air, with the ball landing just short of mid-off. Morris then hooks the second delivery towards deep midwicket to collect a couple of runs. Couple of yorkers by Amir, in the fourth and fifth deliveries, with the left-arm pacer suddenly bringing out this weapon more often now after being subtle for the most part so far in his spell.

What a yorker that was from Mohammad Amir #PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/lD7zgBR7kL

— Saj Sadiq (@SajSadiqCricket) June 7, 2017

After 41 overs,South Africa 160/6 ( David Miller 48 , Chris Morris 24)

Junaid returns to the attack, and castles Morris in the second ball as the latter gets beaten for pace while looking for an on-drive. Except, Junaid overstepped on that occasion. Second time in two overs the South Africans survived a dismissal scare. Morris gets a single off the free hit. Some over this turns out to be.

Sarfraz has been more than decent with his bowling changes today. He is still looking to mix it up, switching between Shadab and Imad. I will be surprised if Amir and Hassan don’t end up bowling their full quota of overs. Sarfraz might not have to go back to Junaid at all here.

South Africa are looking to regain some momentum with 25 off the last 5 overs but they don’t have the luxury of breaking loose. Pakistan know they are only one wicket away!

After 40 overs,South Africa 156/6 ( David Miller 47 , Chris Morris 22)
 

Amir into his sixth over. Morris pushes the second ball of the over towards deep extra-cover, and returns for a second run. Morris then makes room for himself, and slices the fifth ball towards third man for a single. Amir floors Miller with an inswinging toe-crusher in the last ball of the over, and successfully appeal for an lbw. Miller though, reviews straightaway, and is saved after hawkeye shows the ball to be missing leg. Just three off the over.

After 39 overs,South Africa 153/6 ( David Miller 47 , Chris Morris 19)
 

Shadab into his fifth over. Morris gets down on one knee, and executes his slog sweep towards the midwicket boundary with brute power, easing some of the pressure. The boundary also brings up the team 150. Eight off the over.

After 38 overs,South Africa 145/6 ( David Miller 45 , Chris Morris 13)

Another bowling change from the other side, with Sarfraz tossing the ball up to Amir from the other end. Starts off with a couple of dots. Morris drives the last ball of the over towards the deep extra-cover region to get a double. Five off the over. 

Only five boundaries have been scored in the South African innings so far, with the last one being scored more than 16 overs ago!

22 runs off 48 balls for Miller and Morris. Their game plan is clear: stretch this out for as long as possible and bat the full 50 overs. Pakistan will be disappointed if they let South Africa get away to the 200 mark from here.

After 37 overs,South Africa 140/6 ( David Miller 43 , Chris Morris 10)

Wasim returns to the attack in the 37th over. Miller misses completely while attempting a sweep in the third ball of the over. Meanwhile, Sarfraz has gone for a thick off-side cordon. Just two singles in the first over of Wasim’s new spell.

Pakistan choked against India. Now seeing SA choking so terribly makes for awful sight. Unless they put up a decent score they can kiss this match goodbye and be ridiculed once again in the cricketing world.

After 36 overs,South Africa 138/6 ( David Miller 42 , Chris Morris 9)

Shadab into his fourth over. Singles collected by the two batsmen in the first two deliveries, with Miller and Morris looking to rebuild the innings after the destruction a while ago. Five singles in this over.

After 35 overs,South Africa 133/6 ( David Miller 40 , Chris Morris 6)

Hasan into his seventh over, and starts off with a deadly yorker. Miller drives the second ball of the over towards deep extra-cover to collect a double. Repeats the shot a couple of deliveries later, only to collect a single this time. Five off the over.

After 34 overs,South Africa 128/6 ( David Miller 37 , Chris Morris 4)

Miller flicks the second ball of Shadab’s third over towards the leg side for a single. Morris gets beaten fair and square in the fourth delivery, trying to go for a lofted drive. Two off the over.

After 33 overs,South Africa 126/6 ( David Miller 36 , Chris Morris 3)

Hasan into his sixth over, and his spell so far has been nothing short of incredible. Three singles in the last ball of the over, including a pat down the ground over the bowler’s head.

SA can’t choke now. They seem to be in Test match mode. Scoring at a terribly poor rate. SA’s inability to smash the spinners is shocking. Betrays poor footwork probably caused by pressure and anxiety. Their batting display whatever happens from here has been shocking. Familiar failing to deliver under pressure. Losing entire top order to spin and now pacer Hassan Ali would have dented team’s confidence. They are being dismissed not by bowlers but by pressure.

There was a lot of talk about Pakistan’s lack of intent in that game against India and, even though he bowled Hafeez unchanged, it looked like Sarfraz was always looking for a wicket. And, with that, Pakistan get their 5th wicket. This one goes to Babar Azam in the slips (29th over). Once again, there is intent to pick up a wicket and this is what we want from Pakistan!

After 32 overs,South Africa 123/6 ( David Miller 34 , Chris Morris 2)

Shadab into his second over. Singles exchanged in the first two deliveries in order to keep the scoreboard ticking. Morris struggles to score in the remainder of the over.

After 31 overs,South Africa 121/6 ( David Miller 33 , Chris Morris 1)

Hasan, on a hat-trick at the start of the over after wickets off successive deliveries in the previous over, starts off with a yorker to Miller, and throws the ball at the striker’s stumps. Some electric fielding displayed by the close-in fielders in this over, which turns out to be a maiden, with the Pakistani fielders suddenly showing a lot more zeal at the moment.

After 30 overs,South Africa 121/6 ( David Miller 33 , Chris Morris 1)
 

Shadab Khan introduced into the attack, with Morris joining Miller in the middle of a carnage at the moment. Miller gets foxed by a googly in the third delivery, and nearly gets stumped in the process. Morris sweeps the penultimate delivery, and lobs it up in the air towards backward square-leg for a single. Three off the young leg-spinner’s first over.

After 29 overs,South Africa 118/6 ( David Miller 31 , )

Hasan into his fourth over. Duminy guides the first ball of the over past slip for a single in the first over. The duo then keep rotating the strike between themselves, before Hasan gets rid of Duminy and Parnell off successive deliveries in the last two balls of the over to further strangulate the Proteas.

BOWLED EM! Peach of a delivery by Hasan, and he now gets two-in-two! This one was fast, full, and angling into the off-stump. Parnell was playing down the wrong line, and paid the price for it. SA 118/6

Parnell b Hasan 0(1)

OUT! Hasan strikes again! Duminy gets a bottom edge to Babar in the slips while looking for a drive! Hasan once again breaks a budding partnership! SA 118/5

Duminy c Azam b Hasan 8(14)

After 28 overs,South Africa 114/4 ( David Miller 29 , JP Duminy 6)

Hafeez into his final over. Couple of singles in the first five deliveries, before Miller dances down the pitch in the last ball, and clears the long-on boundary, too high for the fielder stationed there to catch. Hafeez finishes with figures of 1/51 from 10 overs.

David Miller has scored two centuries in ODIs post ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 batting at No.5 or lower which is the joint most by any player. He has to play a match winning knock today to aid South Africa to post a decent total.

After 27 overs,South Africa 106/4 ( David Miller 22 , JP Duminy 5)

Another vicious bouncer by Hasan to Miller, this time in the fourth ball of the 27th over, with the batsman pulling out of the hook in the last second. Miller prevents the over from becoming a maiden with a single in the last ball of the over, retaining the strike in the process.

After 26 overs,South Africa 105/4 ( David Miller 21 , JP Duminy 5)

Hafeez into his ninth over. Miller dances down the pitch in the third ball of the over, and launches it over the long-on boundary to bring up the team 100, aside from easing the nerves in the South African dressing room. Eight off the over.

After 25 overs,South Africa 97/4 ( David Miller 14 , JP Duminy 4)

Another sharp over by Hasan, giving away just two singles off it while surprising Miller with a sharp bouncer in the last ball of the over. The Proteas are going at less than four-per-over at the halfway mark in their innings.

After 24 overs,South Africa 95/4 ( David Miller 13 , JP Duminy 3)

Hafeez continues from the other end. Duminy steals a single in the first ball of the over. Miller is tied up for the next three deliveries, with the close-in fielders showing exactly the kind of energy they should have against India. Just two off the over.

The bowling change has worked! Miller and du Plessis were getting going with that 29-run partnership. The dismissal is another indication of the fact that it isn’t easy to play shots on this slow pitch. Or are Pakistan just too good to handle today?

After 23 overs,South Africa 93/4 ( David Miller 12 , JP Duminy 2)

Medium-pacer Hasan Ali introduced into the attack in the 23rd over. And he strikes straightaway, with du Plessis dragging a length delivery, that angles nips back slightly, onto his stumps. Three runs and a wicket off that over, with the Pakistanis putting up a superb show so far, barring a few misfields.

BOWLED EM! Another bowling change that works wonderfully for Pakistan! Du Plessis, who was beginning to settle at the crease, drags a length delivery outside off onto his stumps! Brings an end to the 29-run fourth wicket stand. SA 90/4

Du Plessis b Hasan 26(44)

After 22 overs,South Africa 90/3 ( Faf du Plessis 26 , David Miller 11)

Du Plessis goes for a lap shot in the fifth ball of the over, beating the diving fielder at fine-leg to get the first boundary in 50 deliveries! A welcome boundary for the Proteas, lifting some of the pressure off their back.

After 21 overs,South Africa 83/3 ( Faf du Plessis 20 , David Miller 10)

Du Plessis and Miller begin to steady the innings somewhat, getting five singles in this over as the partnership between them gains momentum. Looks like Pakistan captain Sarfraz will bowl both Wasim and Hafeez out, before getting Shadab into the attack.

Captains to bag a golden duck in ICC Champions Trophy:

Sanath Jayasuriya v India, 2002
Richard Staple v New Zealand, 2004 
Habibul Bashar v West Indies, 2006 
AB de Villiers v Pakistan, 2017*

Death by spin! 11 overs for 32 runs and three wickets from Imad and Hafeez. Both these bowlers don’t spin the ball a great deal but they have kept a tight, middle to off line. This pitch is slower than the ones we have seen in the tournament so far so South Africa will be thinking of 250-260. Need to get a partnership going for that to happen! 

Everything has gone to plan for Pakistan today. The two most inexperienced, and impressive, bowlers in their attack are yet to bowl. A lot depends on Shadab Khan today!

After 20 overs,South Africa 78/3 ( Faf du Plessis 17 , David Miller 8)

Du Plessis paddles the first ball of the over towards fine-leg to collect a couple of runs. Du Plessis and Miller rotate the strike between themselves for the next three deliveries, with Miller collecting a double in the fifth ball of the over. Seven off it.

After 19 overs,South Africa 71/3 ( Faf du Plessis 13 , David Miller 5)

Faf and Miller continue to deal in singles at the moment, getting three of them in another tidy over by Wasim, whose figures at the end of this over read 6-0-13-2.

After 18 overs,South Africa 68/3 ( Faf du Plessis 11 , David Miller 4)

The Pakistani fielding, especially inside the circle, is back to top-notch, which is helping maintain the pressure levels on du Plessis and Miller at the moment. Just two singles off this over as well, with the South African run-rate falling drastically at the moment.

After 17 overs,South Africa 66/3 ( Faf du Plessis 10 , David Miller 3)

Wasim into his fifth over, and the field suddenly is a lo more attacking at the moment, with a slip in place for Miller along with an off-side cordon of point, extra-cover and mid-off. Another tidy over, with just two singles coming off it.

AB de Villiers has now six ducks in ICC tournaments which is the joint third most for any batsman.

After 16 overs,South Africa 64/3 ( Faf du Plessis 9 , David Miller 2)

Hafeez continues to keep it tight from the other end, appealing for an lbw against Miller in the last ball of the over, perhaps sending a shiver up his spine for a second. Just two off the over, with the umpire calling for drinks at the end of the over.

Fun Fact: This is the first golden duck for AB de Villiers in his ODI career of 212 innings. 

After 15 overs,South Africa 62/3 ( Faf du Plessis 8 , David Miller 1)
 

Wasim is bowling a gem of a spell right now, and by getting the crucial wicket of ABD, he puts Pakistan in firm control of the proceedings right now. Spectacular comeback by Pakistan so far after the decimation they faced in their outing against India.

What a huge wicket for Pakistan! They just sent back a man with over 9000 ODI runs back for a first-ball duck. Take a bow, Imad Wasim! Is this the right type of Pakistan or is too early to say?

OUT! And now it is AB de Villiers’ turn to head back to the hut, as he slices a full delivery outside off straight into the hands of Hafeez at backward point! The Proteas in real trouble at the moment! What’s more, it is a golden duck for the South African captain! SA 61/3

de Villiers c Hafeez b Wasim 0(1)

After 14 overs,South Africa 60/2 ( Faf du Plessis 7 , )

De Kock moves down the track, and lofts Hafeez towards the midwicket boundary to break the rut that was starting to build in the last few overs. He is trapped lbw in the last ball of the over, missing the line of the delivery while going for a sweep.

Hafeez manages to create another LBW opportunity and this time, thankfully, there is no need to review. Plumb in front and a slow, uncharacteristic de Kock innings comes to an end. Pakistan will be quite happy with this start but the next man in is a certain AB de VIlliers. It doesn’t get easy, does it? ​

OUT! Now it is de Kock’s turn to head back to the pavilion, as Hafeez traps him leg before while the batsman was trying to go for a sweep. De Kock was handed a lifeline earlier when the Pakistan opted against reviewing an lbw decision, but he doesn’t last for long thereafter. SA 60/2

De Kock lbw Hafeez 33(49)

After 13 overs,South Africa 55/1 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 29 , Faf du Plessis 6)

Tight over for Wasim, giving away just a single off it. Meanwhile, commentator Rameez Raja thinks that the Pakistanis are far too concerned about their own fielding errors to grab the reviews as and when they show up.

Missed opportunity! How costly will that be? Quinton de Kock is a quality player and he now has a second life after Sarfraz decided not to take a review. Crashing into leg stump and a lot of good work from the spinners has now gone to waste. Can they create another opportunity here?

After 12 overs,South Africa 54/1 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 29 , Faf du Plessis 5)

Hafeez into his second over. More misfields, this time by Fakhar Zaman at deep square-leg as he fumbles, allowing QDK to return for a second run. Hafeez appeals for an lbw in the last ball of the over, and the Pakistanis decide against going for the review — which would later prove to be a massive folly on their part as hawkeye would show three reds. Opportunity lost for the Pakistanis.

The fielding is getting a little mediocre now. First that misfield from Shehzad and then that tight single given by Amir at mid-off. Fakhar Zaman followed it up with a misfield in the next over. de Kock is going to play a false shot soon and Pakistan need to prey for his wicket here.

Amla’s dismissal is a blow. He’s the one expected to hold innings together while others flay the attack. Now Gives opportunity to Faf du Plessis and others to run into serious form.

After 11 overs,South Africa 50/1 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 26 , Faf du Plessis 4)

Misfield in the fourth delivery of the over, with the issue now starting to creep up after some good efforts early in the innings. Shehzad, the 12th man in this game, the culprit at cover, allowing a single. 50 comes up for the Proteas at the end of this over.

After 10 overs,South Africa 47/1 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 24 , Faf du Plessis 3)

Imad Wasim is introduced into the attack in the ninth over, and he traps Amla lbw in just the second delivery of the over, bringing Faf du Plessis to the centre. It was a straighter delivery from Wasim that Amla missed, and was also beaten for pace on that occasion. Good first over by Wasim, giving away just two off it. Five runs off this over, with South Africa going at less than five an over at the moment.

Wicket number one for Pakistan and that should renew their energy for a few overs. Imad caught Amla in his crease and the ball came in quicker than he expected. It’s super important that Pakistan don’t give away easy singles and doubles now – something they are generally very generous with. Surely Hafeez will get to bowl today?

After 9 overs,South Africa 41/1 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 20 , Faf du Plessis 1)

Imad Wasim is introduced into the attack in the ninth over, and he traps Amla lbw in just the second delivery of the over, bringing Faf du Plessis to the centre. It was a straighter delivery from Wasim that Amla missed, and was also beaten for pace on that occasion. Good first over by Wasim, giving away just two off it.

OUT! Sarfraz gets Wasim into the attack in the ninth over, and immediately gets the results as the classy batsman is trapped leg-before in front of middle-and off. Big wicket for Pakistan, given that Amla’s recent form. SA 40/1

Amla lbw Wasim 16(20)

Pakistan bowling restrictive length makes no sense. They are playing into SA hands. Pak’s strength is these two pacers. Amir and Junaid. They need to attack through them and get wickets. If SA preserve wickets early they’ll hammer the attack later. Pak need to get wickets and hope SA choke under pressure.

After 8 overs,South Africa 39/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 19 , Hashim Amla 16)

After a single off each of the first three deliveries, Amla whips the back-of-length delivery from Junaid in the fourth delivery towards the square-leg boundary to get his second boundary. Good over for South Africa, with nine coming off the over.

South Africa’s opening average partnership per dismissal of 53.21 post ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 was the highest for any team before today. Hashim Amla and Quinton de Kock have started well today.

After 7 overs,South Africa 30/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 17 , Hashim Amla 9)

Amla helps himself to his first boundary in the last delivery of Amir’s fourth over, pulling the delivery towards the square-leg boundary. Only the second boundary of the innings so far, with the Proteas getting off to a rather sedate start.

Mohammad Amir and Junaid Khan have bowled a tight line with occasional balls outside the off stump. Too often we have seen this translate into nothing so Pakistan will be hoping for a breakthrough. No wicket soon and we might see the energy die down from Pakistan. 

P.S. This is Mohammad Amir’s first ODI against South Africa!

After 6 overs,South Africa 25/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 16 , Hashim Amla 5)

De Kock punches the third ball of the over towards the off-side, but agile fielding by the fielders results in Pakistan saving a couple of runs on that occasion. Another couple of runs saved in the final delivery of the over, this time by Hasan Ali near the cow-corner boundary, after an on-drive by QDK. The fielding efforts definitely are a happy sign for Pakistan, given how much of a bane it had proved for them on the previous occasion.

Pakistan bowlers getting some seam movement. Very conscious of not giving width to Quinton. Ball jagged back a couple of times to cramp him. He throws his hands at ball at slightest opportunity. SA keen on preserving wickets like they did in opening match. Gives their power hitters license to smash attack later.

After 5 overs,South Africa 20/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 11 , Hashim Amla 5)

Amir starts off with a rather steep bouncer, which is called a wide due to height, with Amla also setting off for a run. Another wide conceded in the fourth delivery, this time though, the bowler and keeper appealing in vain for a catch.

After 4 overs,South Africa 14/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 9 , Hashim Amla 4)

Junaid appeals for an lbw in the second delivery of his second over, but it struck de Kock a little high on his front pad. De Kock edges through the vacant third slip region to bring up the first boundary of the innings. Four off the over.

After 3 overs,South Africa 10/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 5 , Hashim Amla 4)

De Kock gets a bit of an inside edge in the third delivery of the over after getting cramped for room by a back-of-length delivery from Amir, but it falls well short of keeper Sarfraz. De Kock suffers another scare a couple of deliveries later, nearly getting run-out at the non-striker’s end. Three off the over.

First impressions are that Quinton de Kick looks more assured than he did in the opening match. Maybe nerves more settled. But that’s only 1st over. SA need him to come good at top to make this a good tournament for them. Amla of course is right up there for them.

After 2 overs,South Africa 7/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 4 , Hashim Amla 2)

Junaid, who comes in place of Wahab in this game, into the attack from the other side. De Kock slashes the first ball towards third man to collect a single. Amla then gets off the mark in the third ball of the over with a punch towards the off-side, collecting a couple of runs in the process. Three off the over.

Quinton de Kock becomes the fastest wicket-keeper to score 2000 runs outside home in ODIs. He has achieved the feat in 57 innings.

After 1 overs,South Africa 4/0 ( Quinton de Kock (W) 3 , Hashim Amla 0)

Amir starts off with a wide down de Kock’s leg side, and follows it up with a sharp delivery outside off, to which the South African wicketkeeper has no option but to leave. The first runs off the bat are gathered in the fourth delivery, in which QDK pushes towards the off-side, and gets enough time to come back for a third. Four off the first over.

Quinton de Kock and Hashim Amla walk out to bat at the start of the South African innings. The conditions are sunny at Edgbaston at the moment, and we hope we get to witness an uninterrupted match today. Mohammad Amir will start off the proceedings for Pakistan. Let the action begin!

Pakistan’s win/loss ratio of 0.510 against South Africa in ODIs is their worst against any team.

Very important match for Pakistan. If they lose today they are out of the tournament. They’d have to chase again, something they did very poorly against India. ABD playing with the same winning combination was expected. SA batting has depth and power hitters. If they get to a score around 300 their formidable bowlers will choke Pakistan out of the contest. Second match for both. But SA have a win under the belt while Pakistan are yet to get any points.

Pakistan will be looking to put their dismal performance against India behind them as they take on the number one side in the world today. Out-of-form Ahmad Shehzad makes way for Fakhar Zaman, who is making his ODI debut. Zaman toured England with the A-side last year and should be familiar with the conditions. Shehzad has played four games this year at a Strike Rate of 65. Add to that his poor fielding against India and it isn’t hard to understand why he is not playing today. The other change is that of Junaid Khan for Wahab Riaz who has been ruled out of the tournament with injury. Riaz was probably going to sit this one out regardless of his fitness after his performance in the first game. 

South Africa will be batting first today and Pakistan aren’t the best chasers in the world. So that’s one more obstacle for them. “We would have liked to bat first,” says Sarfraz at the toss. Their top four batters played 70% of the balls against India and batted with a combined Strike Rate of 73. That should be unacceptable in modern-day cricket. Better fielding, more game awareness and fearless batting: can a different Pakistan turn up here?

Will Pakistan let the burden of the past affect them mentally, as was the case in their pasting at the hands of India on Sunday. 

The man for Pakistan to watch out for in the upcoming match.

Pakistan team: Azhar Ali, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Sarfraz Ahmed (c, wk), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Hasan Ali, Junaid Khan.

Pakistan opt for two changes going into this game — Junaid Khan and Fakhar Zaman coming in for Ahmed Shehzad and Wahab Riaz. Zaman will make his ODI debut in this game.

South African team: Hashim Amla, Quinton de Kock, Faf du Plessis, AB de Villiers (c), David Miller, JP Duminy, Chris Morris, Wayne Parnell, Kagiso Rabada, Morne Morkel, Imran Tahir.

The Proteas, sporting a yellow-dominant jersey this evening, are unchanged in their lineup for this game.

TOSS: South Africa elect to bat first after winning the toss.

Can Pakistan turn the tide later this evening? Let’s find out…

Pitch Report: It’s the same pitch that was used for India vs Pakistan. Looks like a very good batting surface. The captain that wins the toss should look to bat first. There are some footmarks but it won’t concern the batsmen.

Now that they have their first points on board South Africa would be a lot more relaxed, and hence dangerous. Their all round ability, in batting, bowling and fielding, has never been in doubt. The question mark was only on their temperament. But after that win over Sri Lanka they must be fancied to cream Pakistan in today’s CT league match.

SA would be looking forward to Quinton de Kock getting into the groove as well as skipper AB de Villiers and David Miller, the other powerful hitters, work up confidence against a Pakistan side that looked awful in the last match.

Pacer Kagiso Rabada too needs to run into some sort of rhythm and this match against a weak Pakistan team may be the ideal opportunity. SA carry too many guns and hence should overwhelm Pakistan quite comfortably. Would also be interesting if Duckwirth Lewis would come into play in this match also — and how the weather pans out for SA.

Same pitch for the third game at Edgbaston... played well before... hardly a mark on it...

— 🗡️Charles Dagnall 🗡️ (@CharlesDagnall) June 7, 2017

Meanwhile, there’s some good news from Edgbaston:

Good afternoon from Edgbaston. The sun's out ☀ #CT17 #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/YZdnhkx57l

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 7, 2017

As you wait for the match, here’s a sneak peek inside the Pakistan team’s dressing room:

Ahead of today's #PAKvSA clash, take a behind-the-scenes look inside the Pakistan changing room! #CT17 pic.twitter.com/YbvRxS0QIC

— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2017

We’re still a while away from the action. Meanwhile, here’s England’s Ian Bell talking about “home away from home” Edgbaston, which is also the venue of today’s match.

What should Pakistan do today to seize victory? Here’s Shahid Afridi’s take on it:

“Pakistan batsmen need to free their minds and play with a positive mindset, which would allow them to go after the bowling while rotating the strike intelligently. The Pakistan batsmen seemed to have simply frozen against India and looked clueless in the face of mounting run-rate. The team will have to do much better against South Africa, which is a top-class fielding unit. The batsmen will have to commit fully to strike-rotation and will have to play only a small number of dot balls. If they are caught in two minds, the South African fielders will surely make life tougher for them,” the explosive Pakistani cricketer told ICC.com.

The weather conditions haven’t exactly been accommodating at the Champions Trophy. But South Africa captain AB de Villiers says they aren’t too bothered by that.  

“It’s something that’s outside of our circle. It (rain) is something we can’t control, if I want to say it that way. We can only control what’s in front of us and that’s to play good cricket, to make sure we’re prepared, and we’ve covered all those bases,” he told Cricket South Africa’s website.

Here’s South Africa’s Morne Morkel discussing his art: 

In anticipation of today's game, #watch how @mornemorkel65 prepares for a big match & how he puts batsmen through their paces. #ProteaFire pic.twitter.com/SwjQgrRqQp

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) June 7, 2017

Having lost their opener against India, Pakistan cricketers will be desperate for a comeback today. Check out these images of them gearing up for this critical clash today:

Pakistan Team practice session at Edgbaston Cricket Ground pic.twitter.com/h3uKfOB7kx

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) June 6, 2017

Pakistani players talk about their passionate, hard-to-please “12th man”: 

Pakistan fans are among the most passionate in the world!

❤️ if you're ready for the big match today! #PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/yssxJhYqnT

— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2017

Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur and South Africa’s Wayne Parnell have their say ahead of Wednesday’s match:

PREVIEW: Here's all you need to know about the Group B clash between Pakistan and South Africa ➡️ https://t.co/WR3QRcqM4n #PAKvSA #CT17 pic.twitter.com/WM8tLLDxSH

— ICC (@ICC) June 7, 2017

This is how the Group B table looks like, as of now:

Hello and welcome to the live coverage of the ICC Champions Trophy Group B encounter between Pakistan and South Africa on Wednesday.

While Pakistan suffered a demoralising 124-run defeat against arch-rivals India on Sunday, South Africa defeated Sri Lanka by 96 runs at the Oval on Saturday. The odds will be up against World No 8 Pakistan as they face the world’s top-ranked ODI side. On Wednesday, with their survival in the competition hanging in the balance, Sarfraz Ahmed and Co will have to raise their game drastically to stay relevant in the competition.

Stay tuned for live scores and updates of this clash.