Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Preview Dream11
Here we go.
South Africa demolished Pakistan 3-0 in the Tests, and the tourists bounced back superbly in the first ODI, taking a 1-0 series lead thanks to a solid performance that didn’t allow the Proteas to get going.
South Africa were indeed on track for a big score, but couldn’t accelerate well enough in the period leading into the 40th over of their innings. The lead up overs saw a run rate hovering around five for the period, which allowed Pakistan a foothold in the game, even with such a fantastic platform set by the top three. There were positives to take from the first ODI for South Africa, but improvements are a must to avoid going 2-0 down in a home series in a World Cup year.
There were indeed plenty of positives from Pakistan. Some of the strokeplay from their batsmen was simply sublime, and they held their nerve as the chase could have got tense towards the end. It has been a challenging tour so far, but Sarfraz Ahmed’s men have a great opportunity here to build confidence with a World Cup just around the corner. Can the Pakistanis further boost confidence and consistency between matches away from home?
Key to a South Africa win
Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks and Rassie van der Dussen set up a fine platform for the Proteas in Port Elizabeth, but the inability to shift gears effectively enough hurt them dearly in the end. A total that should have been close to 300 ended up at 266/2 – a score that is reminiscent of ODI cricket 15 years ago. At Durban, South Africa will be hoping for another strong platform at the top, but this time you might see a few more risks in the lead up to the death overs, given South Africa’s finishing ability in David Miller. If Hashim Amla is able to bat through again, you feel things might be a little more rosy for the Proteas this time around.
Also, can Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir have greater impact with the ball? They shared just one wicket between them at St George’s Park, which enabled Pakistan to place greater pressure on the other bowlers, particularly Andile Phehlukwayo and debutant Duanne Olivier. Rabada and Tahir will be key in setting the tone for the Proteas, with the likes of Olivier and Pretorius to play strong supporting roles. Can the Proteas push the Pakistanis back with early wickets including the prized scalps of Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam to place more pressure on the likes of Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Hafeez and Shoaib Malik?
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Key to a Pakistan win
Pakistan took just two wickets at St George’s Park, but it was how tight they kept things that would have pleased Sarfraz Ahmed and Mickey Arthur. Just when South Africa looked to accelerate, they put the squeeze, limiting the boundaries. At Durban, the aim will be to put the squeeze again, lifting the pressure on the Proteas’ top three, who are more accumulators. Early wickets can put the pressure on Faf du Plessis and David Miller, who both would much rather like to come in and cause damage after a platform has been set. Shadab Khan bowled beautifully at Port Elizabeth, and he will be key in the middle overs, and potentially even more effective if the likes of Hasan Ali and Usman Khan Shinwari (if picked) can hurt South Africa at the top.
Also, as mentioned, some of the strokeplay from Pakistan’s batsmen in their chase at Port Elizabeth was simply stunning. Fakhar Zaman looked good for his 25, but Pakistan will want more from him in Durban, especially as he has the ability to let Imam-ul-Haq settle into his innings. A strong platform from the openers and Babar Azam, who also played some exquisite strokes, will be vital in opening the game up for first game hero Mohammad Hafeez to take advantage. With Shoaib Malik and Sarfraz Ahmed itching to go better than their first ODI efforts, Pakistan have the resources to go 2-0 up. A big opportunity awaits.
Possible Playing 11
Aiden Markram was left out of the side in the first ODI, and probably won’t get back in just yet with each of the top three in the runs. His attacking approach would be something South Africa would benefit from, but it remains to be seen if he gets picked.
South Africa Possible Playing 11: 1. Hashim Amla, 2. Reeza Hendricks, 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. Faf du Plessis (c), 5. David Miller, 6. Heinrich Klaasen (wk), 7. Andile Phehlukwayo/Dane Paterson, 8. Dwaine Pretorius, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Duanne Olivier, 11. Imran Tahir
Pakistan could stick with the same formula that got them the win at Port Elizabeth. One option is bringing back the talented Shaheen Shah Afridi, possibly for Imad Wasim or Usman Khan Shinwari. However, Durban is typically slower, so Imad might get another game, with Shinwari possibly the likeliest to be replaced.
Pakistan Possible Playing 11: 1. Imam ul Haq, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Hafeez, 5. Shoaib Malik, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Shadab Khan, 8. Faheem Ashraf, 9. Imad Wasim, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Usman Khan Shinwari/Shaheen Shah Afridi
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Dream11 Prediction
- South Africa will likely take a lot more risks to get the scoreboard moving, meaning the middle order players will get a run.
- Faf du Plessis has an outstanding record at Kingsmead: two centuries in five matches, including his most recent ODI at the ground vs India.
- Hashim Amla and David Miller also have good records at Kingsmead. Amla is coming off a century, and has three fifties and a century at this ground. Miller has 435 runs in nine ODIs at an average of 72.50 and SR of 108.21.
- Rassie van der Dussen is also in superb form, which makes him a difficult choice to leave out here.
- Babar Azam is one of the world’s premier ODI batsmen, with scores of 46, 92 and 49 in his last three innings. Imam-ul-Haq is also in fine touch.
- Mohammed Hafeez was brilliant at St George’s Park, and is the best all-rounder option from both sides. Shadab Khan also offers excellent all-round ability.
- Kagiso Rabada is a controversial exclusion. His record at Kingsmead makes for grim reading: Four wickets in four matches at an average of 53.
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Stats and Facts
- Pakistan have four of six ODIs at Kingsmead vs South Africa, including the last two.
- South Africa have lost six of their past seven ODIs at home against Asian opposition.
- Hashim Amla became the quickest to 27 ODI centuries, beating Virat Kohli by two innings (167 vs 169).
Match Prediction
Really tough pick.
Pakistan would have picked up plenty of belief from their first ODI win.
However, South Africa have the quality to bounce back, and I think they will get a victory in a close match here, on the back of their middle order.
Thanks for reading!
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South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd ODI Preview Dream11
