Waqar prefers 'even contests'

Waqar's team must somehow stem the tide against opponents who have piled up successive scores of more than 400, against West Indies and then Ireland, if they are to retain a chance of reaching the knockout stages after all.

After opening defeats against India and West Indies, Pakistan were badly off the pace.

But they have taken advantage of two easier fixtures, most recently beating UAE in Napier on Wednesday.

Waqar, however, has decidedly mixed feelings at times when he sees the combined effect of accelerated bat technology and International Cricket Council fielding restrictions making bowlers' lives so difficult when players such as South Africa captain AB de Villiers get going.

"People want to see big sixes and all that, and that's why the rules have been changed in the recent past," he said.

"The wickets have become flatter, and the batsmen are a lot fitter and the bats are thicker.

"So there are a lot of things going in batters' favour."

Scores are regularly being plundered which would have been near unthinkable in the days, not so long ago, when former Pakistan fast bowler Waqar was so rarely hit around by anyone.

"I guess it's a crowd-pull thing. But for me, I believe it should be an even contest," he added.

"It is a little unfair to faster bowlers - or to any bowlers.

"Especially when the field is (in), you don't really know which way to bowl.

"But I still feel the good yorker is the best delivery."

The Pakistan attack, minus the injured Mohammad Irfan, is likely to have ample opportunity to test that theory against South Africa, for whom Hashim Amla is cast in a relative anchor role and others often go all-out attack.

Only opener Quinton de Kock has been out of sorts, making just a single in Tuesday's win over Ireland in which Amla and Faf du Plessis then shared a second-wicket stand of 247.

Amla is confident de Kock will come good.

"Quinny (De Kock) is an unbelievably talented and hard-working player," he said.

"We all know he is due runs - and that may not be a bad thing because when he does score, he will appreciate it a whole lot more."