South Africa target fragile Pakistan confidence as they eye semi-finals
Sydney, Australia - South Africa’s David Miller warned Wednesday they will look to “exploit” Pak
istan’s fragile confidence as they strive to seal a Twenty20 World Cup semi-final spot and send their opponents packing.
The Proteas were touted as dark horses in the lead-up to the showpiece in Australia and have showed why with a fearsome pace attack and batsmen in form.
Ahead of other matches in Group 2 later Wednesday, they
topped the table with two wins from three matches including victory over India. South Africa’s third game was washed out.
In contrast, Pakistan are fifth and their World Cup fate will be sealed if South Africa beat them at the Sydney Cricket Ground on Thursday.
Pakistan’s much-vaunted opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan have failed
to fire in three matches at the World Cup and are under pressure to find form, and fast.
“I think it is an area to exploit,” said middle-order batsman Miller. “This game is all about
confidence and they haven’t
probably performed the way they’ve wanted to.
“But they’re world-class players and we’re expecting them to come out and bring their A-game and be up for the challenge.”
Pakistan bowler Naseem Shah denied that his side are still
dwelling on their agonising opening defeat to India.
Pakistan were beaten on the last ball by their arch-rivals and followed that up with a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, before thrash
ing the Netherlands.