BIRMINGHAM: Pakistan, desperately seeking to live another day in their Champions Trophy campaign, will look to reclaim their pride and confidence in a tough game against top-ranked South Africa at Edgbaston on Wednesday.

Pakistan, the lowest-ranked team in the tournament, lost their opening game against archrivals India by 124 runs, sparking criticism over their playing strategy and selection. Today is another chance for the young captain Sarfraz Ahmed?s team to come back from behind and revive hopes of billions of fans by beating South Africa, who have already won their first game against Sri Lanka.

Pakistan must play without fear to beat South Africa

To beat the Proteas, Pakistan would need to bring its absolute best to the park and fielding would be of paramount importance

History hasn?t favoured Pakistan against the Proteas. The Green Shirts have lost both of their previous Champions Trophy matches against South Africa (2006 and 2013 editions). In the World Cup encounters, Pakistan have won one and lost three against the Proteas.

Sarfraz insists his team can bounce back after the humiliating defeat against India.

"I think the mood is OK," the skipper told reporters at Edgbaston on Tuesday. "A little disappointed after they lost the match, but now the mood is okay. The guys are really focused on the next match."

South Africa, however, have a nasty habit of not realising their potential in ICC events.

But skipper AB de Villiers emphasised Tuesday how the present-day Proteas wanted to "stay in the moment".

"If we live in the past, there´s lots of scars that we can think of, lots of bad experiences," he explained. "So it´s just wise to try and stay in the moment with what you´re confronted with at the very time."

Squads

Pakistan

South Africa