Couch Critic previews the second test match between Pakistan and South Africa including best bets from @Olimp_SA
PAKISTAN vs SOUTH AFRICA 2nd Test, Rawalpindi - 04 Feb @ 07:00
Pakistan were able to take the victory in the opening test In Karachi and now South Africa find themselves having to try and salvage a draw series in Rawalpindi from Thursday.
Setting the Scene
As per usual the Proteas toyed with the emotions of their supporters. A solid start with the bat (100/2) ended in the all familiar collapse. With the ball the Saffas then had Pakistan on their knees at 27/4 only to then watch their hosts recover to a substantial 378 which was always going to be beyond the visitors. Pakistan relied on their spinners and a superb century from Fawad Alam to get the job done.
How I see it Playing Out
One expects all sub-continent pitches to turn square but the history of Rawalpindi tells us that it often has quite a bit for the quicks early on. This should be music to the ears of the South Africans but it’s not like the Pakistani’s don’t have some artillery of their own. And when the track does eventually wear the home side will have their spinners eager to jump in a seal the deal against a SA batting line that inspires about the same amount of confidence as a COVID vaccine from Cuba.
South Africa will need to bat big at the firs time of asking and this has proven a tough task for the struggling SA batsmen. I can’t see the fortunes of the men from the Republic take a turn for the better in this one.
Betolimp Best Bets
To win the 2nd Test – Pakistan @ 1.79
Top South Africa 1st Inns Bowler – Kagiso Rabada @ 3.25
The price is short but he pulled this off in the first test on a track less suited. Here he will get more assistance and should be sharper after his first outing back.
Top Pakistan 1st Innings Bowler – Shaheen Afridi @ 4.00
The left arm quick picked up four first innings pegs against Bangladesh the last time they played a test at this venue. He is a constant threat and I see him enjoying some success again.
Top Pakistan 1st Innings Batsman – F Alam @ 6.50
In the mould of Chanderpaul the lefty has a stance that is something between a crab and a drunk pirate looking for a sword fight. Yet he has enjoyed considerable success with his technique and seems good value here. Babar is unlikely to fail twice but I am willing to have a go at this price.
Man of the Match – Yasir Shah @ 8.50
Yasir got very close in the first test as he took wickets in both innings and also added a few crucial runs. He might not enjoy as much assistance in the first innings but he could be a match decider in the second stint.
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Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
Couch Critic
