T20 World Cup 2021, Pakistan vs Namibia (Super 12) Preview: PAK looks to book its semis berth
By Ayush Gupta | First Published Nov 2, 2021, 6:30 AM ISTPakistan has been on an extraordinary run, being on an unbeaten run in the ICC T20 World Cup 2021. It would be taking on Namibia on Tuesday, as a win would seal its semis berth.
Former champion Pakistan looks like an unstoppable force now, having been unbeaten in the 2021 ICC T20 World Cup so far. As it looks to continue its glorious campaign, it would be taking on Namibia in its Group 2 Super 12 clash at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium in Abu Dhabi on Tuesday. As it looks to book its semis berth, we present the match preview here.
Current form
Pakistan has played three matches so far, winning all of them, while it won and lost each game during its warm-ups. As for Namibia, it has won and lost a game each in the Super 12s, while it had won two of its three matches in the Group Stage. Considering the current form, Pakistan looks too good for Namibia.
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Team strength & weaknesses, and players to watch out
Considering the sides, Pakistan's is strong when it comes to its batting, consisting of 12 batters and nine serious bowlers. Although there are just three specialist bowlers in the team, its effectiveness has been top-notch, while the batting so far has been impeccable. The players who would draw the attention would be skipper Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed and Shaheen Afridi.
As for Namibia, it has a balanced side. While it has three specialist batters, its all-rounder department is packed with five men. With five specialist bowlers, it still makes a decent side. Among the players who could impact are Craig Williams, skipper Gerhard Erasmus, David Weise, JJ Smit, Zane Green, Ben Shikongo and Bernard Scholtz.
Injury concerns, head-to-head, weather and pitch report
None of the sides has any notable injury concerns. It would be the maiden clash involving the two sides in the format to date. The Abu Dhabi weather would be warm, with 32 degrees of an expected temperature and 68% humidity. The track would be assisting the batters, while the chasing would be the preferred decision for the side winning the toss here, especially with the dew factor at night.
Probable XI
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Asif Ali, Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi.
Namibia: Craig Williams, Michael van Lingen, Zane Green (wk), Gerhard Erasmus (c), David Wiese, JJ Smit, Jan Frylinck, Pikky Ya France, Jan Nicol Loftie-Eaton, Ruben Trumpelmann and Bernard Scholtz.
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Fantasy XI
Batters: Zaman, Asif, Azam (vc), Erasmus- Azam would give the perfect start, along with Zaman at number three, while Asif and Erasmus would consolidate in the middle-order. Azam's effectiveness makes him the deputy captain.
Wicketkeeper: Rizwan- He has been deadly with the bat and would be Azam's perfect opening partner.
All-rounders: Wasim, Smit, Frylinck- Wasim has contributed as a bowler along with Smit, while would decently offer in all departments.
Bowlers: Rauf (c), Afridi, Trumpelmann- An all-out pace attack is expected, as the trio has been highly effective for their sides, while Rauf's consistency makes him the skipper.
Match details
Date and day: November 2, 2021 (Tuesday)
Venue: Sheikh Zayed Cricket Stadium, Abu Dhabi
Time: 7.30 PM (IST)
Where to watch (TV): Star Sports 1 and Star Sports 1 Hindi (Also available in HD, along with regional languages)
Where to watch (Online): Hotstar
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