Preview: Pakistan clash with South Africa in potential quarter-final

Image: Shahid Afridi needs to do more with the bat if Pakistan are to progress

Ironically, even though Pakistan and South Africa will be on opposite sides of today's Super 8 match, they'll both be on the same side when it comes to one thing: England must beat New Zealand. That's the only way one of these two teams can progress to the semis. If the English win (a fact that will only be revealed after the match between South Africa and Pakistan is over), the clash between Pakistan and South Africa would have been a straight shootout.

If not, the two semi-finalists from last year will both make an early exit from the tournament. Since they won't know if its progression or pride they would have played for until after the match, they'll be giving it their all in the hope that they can advance.

Both teams have been inconsistent, with Pakistan failing to record a victory since beating Bangladesh in their opening match. They were hapless against Australia and England but then came nail bitingly close against New Zealand. Pakistan had only themselves to blame for the loss as they stuttered in chase of 134. It was largely bounce and pace that outdid them, and they'll be pleased to get away from the Barbados pitch.

Text: Cricbuzz

Images: AP