However, following Pakistan’s heavy loss against India on June 16, not many of its supporters have any hopes left. It is not a surprise that the fans have shown little restraint in their criticism of the Sarfaraz Ahmed-led side. “It (severe criticism) is usual in Pakistan cricket after a bad performance, isn’t it? The expectations are always high,” said former captain Shahid Afridi during his chat with Shoaib Akhtar on the latter’s YouTube channel.

Mohammad Amir was the lone warrior in the bowling department against India and Pakistan’s batting and fielding were a big let-down once again. Senior player Shoaib Malik, who has not been among the runs so far, is unexpected to get another game in his last ODI competition.

South Africa, too, has not learnt from its mistakes in what has been a disappointing campaign. It did have its moments in the previous game against New Zealand, but let the Kane Williamson-led side off the hook and paid the price for it. Head coach Ottis Gibson said the team’s target in the remaining games is to play to its potential.

“We’ve still got three matches to play and I’d like to think that we can at least play the way we know we can play,” Gibson told reporters ahead of the duel. “The thing about the squad is that there are guys playing their last World Cup and they will want to leave the world stage on a strong note. And there are some youngsters here that I’m sure will play in future WCs. So they too would like to leave a statement. That’s the way we’ve got to look at it,” he added.