In this article, we preview South Africa vs Pakistan, the 2nd T20I of a three-match series on the Pakistan tour of South Africa on April 12, 2021
Match Predictions
Analysis
These two sides met last in a T20I on 14 February 2021 at Lahore during the South Africa tour of Pakistan. Batting first, SA made 164/8. After a poor start in which SA were reduced to 46/5, they were rescued somewhat by David Miller who made 85 off 45 balls with 5 fours and 7 sixes. Most impressively, Miller shared an unbeaten 58 run partnership for the 9th wicket with Lutho Sipamla, in which the bowler contributed 8 not out. Apart from Malan (27), Pite van Bijon (16) and Bjorn Fortuin (10), no other batsman got into double figures. Zahid Mahmood was Pakistan’s most impressive bowler taking 3/40. Md Nawaz (2/13), Hasan Ali (2/29), and Usman Qadir (1/12) shared the other wickets that fell.
The score was never going to be enough against a strong Pakistan batting in home conditions. The home side managed to chase down the target in 18.4 overs with 4 wickets to spare. The run chase was led mainly by Md Rizwan (42 off 30 balls) and Babar Azam (44 off 30). Tabraiz Shamsi (4/25) was SA’s best bowler on the day, while Fortuin (1/30) and Pretorius (1/33) took the other wickets.
Though SA lost the series, they gave a good account of themselves, winning one T20I. In the match on 12 April, SA will not have the services of Miller who is playing in the IPL. But their batting will be boosted by the presence Van der Dussen. However, against a full-strength Pakistan, SA will have to punch above their weight to make an impression.
<Likely XIs
South Africa: Malan, R Hendricks, R Der Dussen, Bavuma, Klaasen, Biljon, Linde, D Pretorius, Fortuin, Sipamla, Shamsi
Pakistan: Rizwan, Haider Ali, Azam, Hafeez, Zaman, Ashraf, Nawaz, Md Hasnain, Afridi, Qadir, Rauf
<Head-to-Head
Pakistan have played 17 T20I matches against South Africa, winning 8 and losing 9.
Betting Odds
Bookies’ odds make Pakistan Favourites to beat South Africa in the 2nd T20I on 12 April at Jo’burg.