Last Updated on 6 years by Charbel Coorey
South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd Test Preview Dream11
Preview co-written by Abdul Shakoor. Follow him at @AbduShakoor_
Series decided. With barely a whimper. After two thumpings, a dead-rubber is here and something has to give.
South Africa deservedly sit 2-0 up, as they have been fabulous in all departments. Pakistan coach Mickey Arthur expressed his disappointment at the South African pitches, and the Proteas knocked off 431 in their first innings at Cape Town. Faf du Plessis, who will miss this Test due to suspension, was excellent after bagging a pair, scoring a century on his favourite ground. It was his partnership with Bavuma that took the match away from Pakistan in the second Test, and the Proteas will be looking for more of the same from those selected.
Pakistan, on the other hand, are going through a difficult period. They haven’t recovered from their disappointing 2-1 series defeat to New Zealand at the UAE recently, as batsmen aren’t performing up to the mark. There is great – if it hasn’t been the case with Pakistan in the past – lack of partnerships from the Pakistan team. Some batsmen, namely Shan Masood, have showed stomach for the fight, but it’s been an exception rather than the norm. Can they cause an upset in the final Test?
Key to a South Africa win
South Africa’s top order will face at least one change. As mentioned, Faf du Plessis has been suspended for this Test, with Dean Elgar taking the helm
and Zubayr Hamza will make his debut in the middle order. Also, Aiden Markram is under an injury cloud, with Pieter Malan on standby. The personnel is different, but the template remains the same – Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla will be key at the top of the innings for Proteas, with the middle order of good strength due to Theunis de Bryun and Temba Bavuma. Can the Proteas cause further pain to Pakistan?
Also, South African pacers are really doing a great job (except for the ban of their captain). Duanne Olivier has been superb this series, and could even sit out such is the strength of South Africa’s attack. The key for South Africa will be to keep the intensity high and not letting up due to this being a dead-rubber. Faf du Plessis has spoken of the team’s desire to chase the number one ranking, and Dale Steyn, Vernon Philander and Kagiso Rabada need to be on song against a Pakistan side looking for a confidence boost.
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Key to a Pakistan win
“We lost the series but we need to make a statement here,” said Imam ul Haq earlier in a press conference. Pakistan have to register a win to boost their morale for the upcoming ODIs, but that is easier said than done given their struggles. For this to be possible, Pakistan’s top order needs to deliver, with Imam ul Haq, Shan Masood and the so-far disappointing Azhar Ali key to blunting the South African attack early, and making life a little easier for the middle order that includes the in-form Babar Azam.
Shan Masood is in very good touch and seems in control over how he plays the short ball in this series. He will be key to helping Pakistan get a competitive total, but will need big help from the two seniors, Asad and Azhar, as well as from his opening partner, Imam. Babar Azam has showed the glimpses of his talent on many occasions in this series and will be very good for Pakistan if he gets a hundred here.
Also, Shaheen Afridi is carrying a niggle and could be replaced by Hasan Ali. Mohammad Abbas didn’t have his best outing in Cape Town, but his class can’t be doubted, and Pakistan will benefit greatly if he gets going like his 2018 season. Can the seamers display greater penetration than in Cape Town? Will Yasir Shah play, and if he does, can he deliver greater control?
Possible Playing 11:
Pieter Malan is on standby for Aiden Markram. Malan, if picked, will make his debut after 137 First Class matches, where he has 9,621 runs at 45.81. Zubayr Hamza will replace the suspended Faf du Plessis. Also, it remains to be seen if Keshav Maharaj gets a game in Johannesburg, and who he will replace.
South Africa possible playing 11: 1. Dean Elgar (c), 2. Aiden Markram/Pieter Malan, 3. Hashim Amla, 4. Theunis de Bruyn, 5. Temba Bavuma, 6. Zubayr Hamza, 7. Quinton de Kock (wk), 8. Vernon Philander, 9. Kagiso Rabada, 10. Dale Steyn, 11. Duanne Olivier/Keshav Maharaj
For Pakistan, Fakhar Zaman was pushed down to number six in the second innings at Cape Town. He has not enjoyed his time in South Africa so far. He is expected to be dropped, with Mohammad Rizwan to possibly play, given Faheem Ashraf is not ready to bat seven, according to Mickey Arthur. Also, Pakistan could choose between Shadab Khan and Yasir Shah, with Shaheen Shah Afridi likely to be rested.
Pakistan possible playing 11: 1. Imam ul Haq, 2. Shan Masood, 3. Azhar Ali, 4. Asad Shafiq, 5. Babar Azam, 6. Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), 7. Mohammad Rizwan, 8. Faheem Ashraf/Yasir Shah/Shadab Khan, 9. Hasan Ali, 10. Mohammad Amir, 11. Mohammad Abbas
Dream11 Prediction
Pitch is expected to be a lot less brutal than the pitch vs India last year.
- Quinton de Kock has hit 104 runs in two innings this series. He looks in good touch.
- Incredibly, given Pakistan are 2-0 down, Babar Azam and Shan Masood top the run scoring charts for the series.
- Hashim Amla has played 12 Tests at the Wanderers Stadium, hitting 1,032 runs at 51.60.
- Vernon Philander loves Johannesburg. He has 35 wickets at this ground at 15.09, including a career-best 6/21 vs Australia last year.
- Duanne Olivier has been an automatic selection in the last two Tests, but he could sit out for Keshav Maharaj. Keep an eye out for this news.
- Mohammad Abbas still has the class to do well in these conditions.
Stats and Facts
- Apart from being on losing side, Shan Masood (189) is the top scorer in this series so far.
- Duanne Olivier is the leading wicket taker this series with 16.
- Pakistan were bowled out for 49 in their last Test at Johannesburg.
- South Africa have won seven Test series in a row at home.
Match Prediction
Afternoon thunderstorms throughout the Test might be the only way Pakistan can escape this match without defeat.
South Africa look way too strong in these conditions. They will win and sweep the series 3-0.
Thanks for reading!
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South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd Test Preview Dream11
