The third T20 International between South Africa and Pakistan takes place at Centurion on Wednesday and the series is now all square with two to play
Pakistan made a winning start to the T20's with a 4 wicket victory at The Wanderers last weekend but the Proteas levelled things up with a comfortable 6 wicket victory at the same venue on Monday. The final two matches of the series are both staged at Centurion.
2nd T20 Wrap
Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat on Monday, they lost Rizwan first ball and despite 50 from Babar Azam they posted a below par 140/9 in their 20 overs. George Linde returned figures of 3/23 which helped him earn the Man of the Match reward.
In reply Markram hit 54 off 30 balls and skipper Klaasen 36 not out off 21. Linde was 20 not out at the end and the result was evident from some way out as the Proteas got up with a full 6 overs to spare. Usman Qadir claimed 2 of the 4 South African wickets to fall and the Proteas hit 8 maximums to Pakistan's 3.
1st T20 Wrap
The Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first in the series opener and they made a decent enough start with Markram and Janneman Malan putting on 31 for the first stick. Markram went on to top score with 51 whilst skipper Heinrich Klaasen made exactly 50 as the Proteas posted 188/6. Mohammad Nawaz with figures of 2/21 was the pick of the Pakistan bowlers.
Mohammad Rizwan got Pakistan off to a good start, sharing a 41 run opening partnership and going on to carry his bat with a knock of 74 off 50 balls. Faheem Ashraf made a quick fire 30 down the order and Pakistan got up with 1 ball and 4 wickets to spare. Beuran Hendricks was top SA bowler with 3/32.
Rizwan was named Man of the Match and the Proteas hit 10 maximums to Pakistan's 4.
Head to Head
Overall the teams have met 19 times and South Africa have won 10 and Pakistan have also won 9.
The Betting, 3rd T20 Match Result
South Africa 23/20
Pakistan 7/10
Aiden Markram is 11/4 favourite to top score for the Proteas and Babar Azam is 2/1 to do likewise for Pakistan.
Note, odds quoted are available at the time of writing but are subject to change
The Verdict:
The Proteas have hit considerably more 6's than Pakistan in both matches so far and to me they look worth sticking with in the same market at a shade of odds against.
Additional interest comes in the top Pakistan bowler market and Usmaan Qadir's display in the second match earns him the vote.
Bets: Most match sixes South Africa at 21/20
Top Pakistan bwoler Usman Qadir at 7/2
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