Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Preview + Dream11
Preview co-written by Abdul Shakoor – @AbduShakoor_
The scene is set for the second Test between the green-machines at beautiful Newlands. Pakistan will have to find a way to counter South Africa’s magnificent pace attack. When they were on 101/1 in the second innings in Centurion, trying to extend the lead, the middle order once again bewildered and collapsed. It resulted in a lead of 148 which was not enough against side with Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla, who found his form at the right time.
However, Pakistan’s bowling has been in a great spell of late. Mohammad Amir found his groove in the first Test, and Mohammad Abbas will be fit for this one. South Africa, whilst 1-0 up in the series, can improve with the bat. Can Pakistan avoid going 2-0 down?
ALSO READ: My 2018 Test Team of the Year!
Key to a South Africa win
Hashim Amla has found his form back after a dip, scoring a beautiful and composed fifty for the Proteas at Centurion. He’s been accompanied by a brave left-hander, Dean Elgar, who after copping some blows showed his guts and passion. Those two again hold the key for a good score, along with Aiden Markram and Faf du Plessis who were well below par in Centurion.
Du Plessis, alongside his opposite number, booked a pair but it didn’t affect his team much because of a steady middle order, courtesy Temba Bavuma and de Bruyn (who might be out of this one). They partnered really well which took the match in their favour.
With Vernon Philander returning, South Africa has been tempted to go with a full pace attack – too hot to handle. Duanne Olivier might look like his Protea-fellow, Merchant de Lange, but was not, by any means, expensive. He utilised his height to go through the Pakistan’s batting lineup and bagged some crucial scalps. Rabada and Steyn too are a great combo to have and can really go in tandem. So their bowling attack will be very crucial and can prove hefty. Will Keshav Maharaj miss out?
Key to a Pakistan win
Pakistan’s batting has been their biggest problem. Sometimes, the bowling can cancel it out, but it’s very hard to win if your middle order is weak. Pakistan’s middle order has to step up the game and the under pressure Sarfraz has to deliver apart from his vocal cords. Azhar Ali got out on a double-minded sway at a bumper. He is a good middle order batsman and has to play an innings of authority, along with Asad Shafiq, also under pressure. Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the series with the injury and Sarfraz has confirmed the same top six for the second encounter.
Pakistan’s bowling will be enlightened by the addition of Mohammad Abbas who has been a great find for Pakistan. With his inclusion in the second Test, Pakistan might look to go similar to the opposition – a full pace attack – as spin might not bore fruit. Amir and Abbas at the top of the bowling hold the key for Pakistan to help getting some early wickets. And, without a doubt, the young Shaheen will come into play at the first bowling change.
Predicted Playing XIs
Duanne Olivier and Vernon Philander will both play. However, will South Africa go with an all out pace attack? Dale Steyn, Keshav Maharaj or Theunis de Bruyn could possibly miss out.
South Africa XI: 1 Dean Elgar, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Hashim Amla, 4 Theunis de Bruyn, 5 Faf du Plessis (c), 6 Temba Bavuma, 7 Quinton de Kock (wk), 8 Vernon Philander/Dale Steyn, 9 Kagiso Rabada, 10 Keshav Maharaj, 11 Duanne Olivier
Mohammad Abbas returns for Pakistan, and either Hasan Ali or Yasir Shah could be the one to make way. Sarfraz Ahmed has confirmed the same top six will be in action.
Pakistan XI: 1 Imam-ul-Haq, 2 Fakhar Zaman, 3 Shan Masood, 4 Azhar Ali, 5 Asad Shafiq, 6 Babar Azam, 7 Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 8 Mohammad Amir, 9 Yasir Shah, 10 Shaheen Afridi 11 Mohammad Abbas
Dream11 Prediction
Stats and Facts
- Vernon Philander, apart from his bowling abilities, has scored 289 runs for South Africa in 2018. He needs one wicket to reach 50 at Newlands, where he averages 16.55 with a strike rate of 35.10.
- Pakistan have lost each of their three Tests at Newlands.
- Pakistan have lost three of their last four Tests.
Prediction
You’d be very brave to pick Pakistan in this one.
They look a side under pressure, and I expect their poor record in South Africa to continue. South Africa to win.
Thanks for reading!
ALSO READ: My 2018 Test Team of the Year!
South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Preview + Dream11
