ICC World Cup: Our bowlers can put them under pressure, says Pak skipper Misbah-ul-Haq

Auckland: Pakistan captain Misbah-ul-Haq insists his bowlers can slam the brakes on South Africa's batting superstars in today's World Cup clash here with AB de Villiers their prime target.

Pakistan pacer Mohd Irfan in the nets at Auckland yesterday and (inset) Misbah-ul-Haq. Pic/AFP

South Africa have blasted totals of 400-plus in their last two Pool ‘B' matches with De Villiers notching ODI's fastest 150 during his 66-ball 162 against the West Indies. Hashim Amla and Faf du Plessis notched magnificent hundreds against Ireland.

David Miller and Jean-Paul Duminy also hit hundreds in the win over Zimbabwe. "I think our bowling is doing really well and we are confident that we have got the bowlers who can get wickets against any team," Misbah said.

"We played South Africa in 2013 and 2014 and we know how these batsmen play and we are confident that we have the bowling to put them under pressure."

Misbah admitted South Africa captain De Villiers is hard to stop and that they need to dismiss him early. "AB is the best batsman in the world in limited overs cricket," said Misbah of his counterpart. "Obviously we have good bowlers who can put him under pressure but the only way to stop him is to get his wicket. If he stays there it's not easy to stop him."

Paceman Mohammad Irfan is fit for the Eden Park match after injuring a hip muscle on Wednesday.

Live today
Pakistan vs South Africa on Star Sports 1, 3, HD 1 and HD 3, 06:30