Pakistan, South Africa clash in must-win WC contest

With two defeats each, both Pakistan and South Africa are facing early exit from the tournament.

Since it will be their last group stage match, the loser will be sent crashing from the event while the winner will move to the next stage.

Pakistan has more to worry than the Proteas as neither their batting nor bowling has clicked.

They managed meagre scores of 84 and 104 in the encounters against Australia and New Zealand respectively and the bowlers too failed to make an impression.

South Africa though had been at least competitive against Australia although they were out-batted by the Kiwis in their opening match.

Bismah Maroof is the only batswoman in the Pakistan team to have offered some resistance to the rival bowlers. Captain Sana Mir's failure in the top-order has hit them badly and they need their skipper to lead from the front.

Either the top-order or the middle-order players have batted for South Africa.

Trisha Chetty and Marizanna Cap delivered against Australia while Susan Benade, Cri-zelda Brits and skipper Mugnin du Preez batted well for South Africa against the Kiwis.

It will be difficult for Pakistan bowlers to stop the in-form Proteas, who undoubtedly will start favourites.