Couch Critic previews the first T20 International between Pakistan and South Africa including his best bets with @Olimp_SA
PAKISTAN vs SOUTH AFRICA 1st T20, Lahore - 11 Feb @ 15:00
We move on to the white-ball stuff in the shortest format as South Africa look to salvage something from their Pakistan tour. Good news for us fans is that the game starts at 15:00 SA time. So no reason not to watch – and have a punt of course!
Setting the Scene
New talent often finds itself into the international mix via the shortest format of the game so every T20 series offers the opportunity to watch the sifting process in the hope of finding that rare nugget of gold. This short series is no different with both teams offering opportunities for some possibly rough diamonds to start the polishing process.
South Africa have opted to follow the current trend of selecting an almost completely fresh white-ball squad for this three-match blitz series whilst Pakistan have also gone the route of bringing a number of new players. Instead of going back to white-ball stalwarts such as Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, Imad Wasim and Amir, coach Misbah and his group will try something new this time around.
The last time Pakistan played a home T20 series they were handed a 3-0 hiding by Sri Lanka right here in Lahore. They will certainly be hoping for an improved showing against their South African visitors. The Gaddafi Stadium proved a tough place to chase down a target and in the three matches there was only one big total set (182/6) so don’t expect the ball to be flying all over the place on Thursday.
How I see it Playing Out
The last few T20 series for Pakistan have read as follows: 3-0 loss to Sri Lanka, 2-0 loss to Australia, 2-1 defeat to New Zealand and 1-1 in England. Not an impressive record for the hosts coming into this one but they will fancy their chances against a SA side that have international newbies like Rickleton and Malan in their top order. Furthermore the guys tasked with being the more “senior” batsmen such as Heinrich Klaasen, Reeza Hendricks, and Jon-Jon Smuts aren’t even experienced first choice campaigners in foreign conditions. David Miller is the lone old hand in the batting order for the visitors.
The last time out in Lahore Pradeep, Udana and Rajitha all enjoyed good success so as per usual in Pakistan I don’t really see spin bowling being overly dominant. But then again the South Africans play spin about as well as I play the piano – not at all!
Betolimp Best Bets
Top South Africa Bowler – George Linde @ 5.00
Linde might have a sore pinky but he certainly won’t have a bruised ego after being one of the standout performers for the Saffas. Confidence is half the battle in international sport – back Linde to keep it rolling.
Top South Africa Batsman – David Miller @ 5.50
Starved of cricket of late but the globetrotter is no stranger to hitting the ground running. The most experienced batsmen in the SA ranks will look to lead the team with the willow.
Top Pakistan Batsman – M Rizwan @ 4.50
In form and should be tasked with going in early and getting the innings off to a bright start.
Man of the Match – F Ashraf @ 13.00
Ashraf could stride to the wicket at number 6. With the possibility of pitching in with both bat and ball I love the value on offer for a man in red-hot form.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
