T20 World Cup: South Africa out to target Pakistan's fragile confidence

Ahead of other matches in Group 2 later on Wednesday, the Proteas topped the table with two wins from three games, including a victory over India

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Photo: AFP

By AFP

Published: Wed 2 Nov 2022, 11:27 AM

Last updated: Wed 2 Nov 2022, 8:34 PM

On Wednesday, South Africa's David Miller warned they will look to "exploit" Pakistan'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 shown why, with a fearsome pace attack and batsmen in form.

Ahead of other matches in Group 2 later on Wednesday, they topped the table with two wins from three matches, including a victory over India. South Africa's third game was washed out.

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In contrast, Pakistan are at the fifth spot, 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 were still dwelling on their agonising opening defeat to India.

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Pakistan were beaten on the last ball by their arch-rivals, and followed that up with a shock defeat to Zimbabwe, before thrashing the Netherlands.

Put to him by reporters that Pakistan had failed to recover mentally from the India defeat, fast bowler Naseem replied: "No, I don't think so, because everyone is professional and everyone knows about oneself.

"We lost against India, but I don't think anyone is thinking about the India game because, as a professional, you can't think about the past when you lose, then especially, you can't be thinking that," he added.

Miller hit an unbeaten half-century in a nervy five-wicket win over India which underlined South Africa's title credentials, and their resilience.

"I suppose we are finding lots of ways to win," he said. "We've done it over a period of time now. I'd say probably the last year, we've found ourselves in tricky situations and managed to get over the line ... I think the continuity of the squad over time, guys have managed to sort of find their roles and if one guy isn't doing well, another guy picks up the slack."

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AFP

Published: Wed 2 Nov 2022, 11:27 AM

Last updated: Wed 2 Nov 2022, 8:34 PM

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