South Africa's Predicted XI vs Pakistan, Cricket World Cup 2023: Temba Bavuma Or Aiden Markram - Who Will Lead Proteas?

The South African cricket team has established itself as one of the most formidable contenders in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. They have secured four victories in five matches, with only one loss. Quinton de Kock and Heinrich Klaasen have been standout performers in the batting department, receiving timely support from stand-in skipper Aiden Markram. When it comes to their bowling, pacers Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Gerald Coetzee have been exceptional, consistently dismantling rival batting lineups. This presents a significant challenge for the Pakistan batters, even on the slow MA Chidambaram Stadium surface. (World Cup 2023 points table)

The South African team is in a more favourable position compared to Pakistan. A victory for the Proteas would place them firmly in contention for a spot in the semi-finals.

On the other hand, Pakistan is facing a do-or-die situation against South Africa. Another loss could effectively eliminate them from the competition.

Openers: Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks

Quinton de Kock, the South African opening batter, is the leading run-getter in the ongoing ICC Cricket World Cup 2023. This left-handed batter has scored three centuries in just five matches. Quinton de Kock has accumulated a total of 407 runs with a strike rate of 114.97. He has the highest score of 174.

While having played in just two matches, Reeza Hendricks has made a notable impact in the absence of captain Temba Bavuma. In his maiden appearance at the World Cup, the right-handed batter scored a fluent 85 against the English attack. So far, Reeza Hendricks has scored 97 runs at a strike rate of 103.19.

Middle order: Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen

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