Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20I Preview Dream11

By Abdul Shakoor – Twitter: @AbduShakoor_

Pakistan, after going down 3-2 in the ODI series, were looking forward to their favourite format of late – the T20Is. They have an excellent record of 11 straight T20 series win after 2016 T20 World Cup, and while they didn’t go down without a fight whist chasing in the 1st T20I, it was one that got away. 

All credit, however, goes to South Africa who piled up a strong partnership in the shape of de Plessis and Hendricks to take the total away from the range Pakistan has been easily chasing down in recent times. Pakistan did make a comeback and restricted them under 200 which at one stage looked like a formality for South Africa. So, Pakistan fans would be hoping for a good comeback like the team managed against New Zealand last year in the T20Is in New Zealand.

Also read: Top 10 cricket bats of 2019!

Key to a South Africa win

Faf du Plessis was the key in the 1st T20I, but he’s been rested for the remainder of the series. Janneman Malan coukd make his debut under the stand-in captain David Miller, and Reeza Hendricks impressed many with his stylish shots and will be crucial at the top of the order. Also, David Miller and Rassen van der Dussen will be important down the order. David Miller couldn’t finish well in 1st T20 but the things he can do makes him the brilliant finisher South Africa can hope for as they prepare for World T20 2020.

Also, Tabraiz Shamsi bowled well to trouble Pakistan and bring down their run rate which was going very well. Chris Morris played an important role and displayed some great death bowling skills. Hendricks was not very promising but he booked the important scalp of Fakhar Zaman after getting welcomed by a four. Once again, the Proteas need regular wickets in conjunction with dot balls in the quest to consign Pakistan to their first loss in 12 T20I series.

Key to a Pakistan win

We all know what Fakhar Zaman can do but his inconsistency is the problem. But still, he is the one to keep both your eyes out for and if he gets going, the run rate won’t be a problem for Pakistan. Also, Babar Azam is turning into a chameleon, with amazing hitting, finesse and pulling. He was looking very good but was involved in a horror run out, courtesy a throw by Miller who was everywhere that night. 

Hafeez missed the game due to the injury but hopes were to give him rest to get his services for 2nd T20I. He’s in some excellent form down the order in LOIs and will be the key along with Asif Ali who needs to prove his finishing abilities. Shoaib Malik played a hard-fought innings on his birthday and his captaincy will be a key too. 

Also, Pakistan’s bowling department was short of Shaheen but Shinwari, as he did in pink ODI, produced quick wickets. Faheem is an excellent death over bowler and nailing some good yorkers at the end. On the other hand, Shadab, despite being excellent in field, was very rusty with the bowling. Faf took him apart and hit him for boundaries with ease. Imad is surely a key because of his economy and he’s good in Powerplay, and Pakistan need a well-rounded bowling display if they are to level the series.

Possible Playing 11

South Africa Possible Playing 11: 1. Reeza Hendricks, 2. Gihahn Cloete (wk), 3. Rassie van der Dussen, 4. David Miller (c), 5. Heinrich Klaasen, 6. Wiaan Mulder, 7. Chris Morris, 8. Andile Phehlukwayo, 9. Beuran Hendricks, 10. Junior Dala/Lutho Sipamla, 11. Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan Possible Playing 11: 1. Fakhar Zaman, 2. Babar Azam, 3. Mohammad Hafeez, 4. Shoaib Malik (c), 5. Asif Ali, 6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7. Imad Wasim, 8. Shadab Khan, 9. Faheem Ashraf, 10. Hasan Ali, 11. Usman Shinwari

Charbel Coorey’s Dream11 Prediction

Stats and Facts

• Shoaib Malik is 2nd highest T20 scorer with Martin Guptil leading the charts and can go above him in 2nd T20. 
• Out of 12 bowlers used in 1st T20, only Imad Wasim bowled with an economy rate of under six.

Match Prediction

The absence of Quinton de Kock and Faf du Plessis could prove crucial.

With Pakistan possessing strong bounce-back ability in this format, back them to get a win and level the series 1-1.

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South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20I Preview Dream11