CWC SouthAfrica150Couch Critic previews the second T20 International between Pakistan and South Africa on Saturday including his best bets with @Olimp_SA

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

PAKISTAN vs SOUTH AFRICA 2nd T20I, Lahore - 13 Feb @ 15:00

 

The Proteas actually put up a decent enough fight but still find themselves one down as we move to the double-header over the weekend at the same venue in Lahore.

 

Setting the Scene

 

Rizwan was head-and-shoulders the standout (and delivered a winner for us in the process) on Thursday. After a decent start to the chase the South African batsmen came unstuck against spin in the middle overs which ultimately left them with too much to do. Given the inexperienced group it wasn’t the worst effort on the day by the visitors and a few smart changes could see them push Pakistan all the way again on Saturday.

 

How I see it Playing Out

 

There were some strange selections from the Protea brains trust for the first outing and I expect Glenton Stuurman to strengthen the side when he comes in for Dala. Having the added spin option of Jon Jon Smuts could also come in handy but it would be a shame to see Jacques Snyman get the shepherd’s hook after just one chance.

 

Pakistan weren’t quite able to put the finishing touched on their innings and were it not for Rizwan’s ton they would have struggled getting over the line. In the second clash they need more from the rest of their order and a potential extra spin option could really be the death blow for the visitors who read the slow men like a dyslexic in the back of the bus on a bumpy road.

 

Betolimp Best Bets

 

Top South Africa Bowler – Andile Phehlukwayo @ 5.00

Andile isn’t often the most economic of bowlers but he has the knack of picking up wickets. I see the Pakistanis being more circumspect when facing Shamsi but not shying away from going for gold against the medium pacers. Now used as a death bowler by the Saffas I reckon this is a good value play.

 

Top South Africa Batsman – Heinrich Klaasen @ 6.50

The SA skipper came in at no.5 which isn’t exactly ideal however the top order will be under pressure to start with a bit more fire so the lower order could have a more prominent role to play this time around.

 

Player to score the most sixes – Haider Ali @ 7.00

Ali was only at the wicket for a relatively short time but stashed 3 balls over the rope in that period. Haider is a natural big-hitter who should give us a good run for our money.

 

Man of the Match – Usman Qadir @ 13.00

The leggie had the Proteas batsmen groping for the ball like a teenager during a make-out session. Qadir easily could have picked up another stick or two and should no-one dominate with the willow like Rizwan did in the first T20I then we could be on to a good thing here.

 

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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change

 

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