ICC Champions Trophy 2017: South Africa vs Pakistan, 5 players to watch out for

Modified Jun 06, 2017 17:05 IST

LONDON, ENGLAND - JUNE 03: Wayne Parnell of South Africa bowls during the ICC Champions Trophy match between Sri Lanka and South Africa at The Kia Oval on June 3, 2017 in London, England. (Photo by Jordan Mansfield/Getty Images) — Wayne Parnell will be expected to rattle the Pakistan top order

#4 Azhar Ali

BIRMINGHAM, ENGLAND - JUNE 04: Virat Kohli of India celebrates as Ravindra Jadeja captures the wicket of Azhar Ali of Pakistan during the ICC Champions Trophy match between India and Pakistan at Edgbaston on June 4, 2017 in Birmingham, England. (Photo by Michael Steele/Getty Images) — Azhar Ali was the lone bright spot for Pakistan against India

Pakistan's sole hope at the top of the order, Azhar Ali, managed to combat India's bowling with his strong defense and impeccable technique. However, the fall of wickets at the other end mounted the pressure on him. He may not be the ideal opener in modern One Day cricket but is a real saviour for an unstable team like Pakistan.

Ali will need to take Pakistan through a tricky opening spell against Rabada and Parnell. If he can do that, Pakistan will fancy their chances against Morkel and Tahir in the middle overs. Much of Pakistan's success tomorrow will depend on how long Ali can stay in the middle.

Record against Proteas

Ali is yet to play an ODI against the South Africans.