Pakistan Opt to Bowl First Against South Africa in Colombo

Fatima Sana won the toss. It is a humid evening in Colombo, and Pakistan decided to bowl against South Africa. Pakistan hasn't won any matches in this World Cup, and they have no chance of making it to the semi-finals. They require a huge victory today to boost up their temperament and will be hoping for other matches to favor them.

Pakistan retains its lineup. The same XI that played against New Zealand in a rain-affected match will go out once again.

South Africa made one change. Captain Laura Wolvaardt announced that Ayabonga Khaka will replace Masabata Klaas in the bowling lineup.

“It’s not the worst thing to be put in to bat first,” Wolvaardt said before the match. “We’ve done well while chasing, but this gives us another chance to test ourselves. The last time we batted first, it didn’t go as planned, but with qualification secured, it’s good preparation for us.”

South Africans have been performing well. After being bowled out for just 69 in their 1st match against England, their 2nd-lowest World Cup score, they bounced back to win four matches in a row. What a performance it is!

The team also has a positive recent history with Pakistan, having beaten them 2-1 in a bilateral series played at Lahore last month.

Both teams are eager to impress. Pakistan will look to make early use of the swing, while South Africa aims to keep their winning momentum as they head toward the knockouts.

Pakistan Playing XI

1 Omaima Sohail, 2 Muneeba Ali, 3 Sidra Amin, 4 Aliya Riaz, 5 Natalia Pervaiz, 6 Fatima Sana (capt), 7 Sidra Nawaz (wk), 8 Rameen Shamim, 9 Diana Baig, 10 Nashra Sandhu, 11 Sadia Iqbal

South Africa Playing XI

1 Laura Wolvaardt (capt), 2 Tazmin Brits, 3 Sune Luus, 4 Marizanne Kapp, 5 Annerie Dercksen, 6 Chloe Tryon, 7 Nadine de Klerk, 8 Karabo Meso (wk), 9 Nondumiso Shangase, 10 Ayabonga Khaka, 11 Nonkululeko Mlaba