South Africa head into the final match of their disrupted home summer looking to salvage a drawn T20I series.
Pakistan have been the better side so far and are full value for their 2-1 lead as we brace for the finale.
South Africa vs Pakistan | Friday 16 April | Supersport Park, Centurion | 14:30
To Win Match
South Africa 29/20
Tie 25/1
Pakistan 57/100
South Africa
While the absence of their best T20 players has left the Proteas a little thin, the selectors have not helped the situation, failing to pick their best available XI from the current squad.
Two of the top domestic performers in Kyle Verreynne and Wiaan Mulder, haven’t been able to get a game in the series.
Among the positives has been the partnership between Janneman Malan and Aiden Markram, with the latter notching three consecutive half-centuries in the series.
South Africa have missed the pace trio of Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje desperately and will need to find a way to improve and stem the flow of runs in a batsman’s paradise.
Pakistan
Pakistan have twice chased down their record highest run chases in T20Is during the course of the series and shown themselves to have a potent top order.
Babar Azam has led from the front, capping a fine tour and moving to the top of the ODI batting rankings and scoring his maiden T20I hundred on Wednesday.
Mohammad Rizwan has also been brilliant throughout the series and will be scrapping with Babar for the man of the series cheque.
Pakistan’s bowling hasn’t been at its best but considering the conditions, they have probably edged out South Africa’s unit for impact. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has been the surprise standout in the group operating as an opening bowler.
Verdict: Pakistan 57/100
The tourists should wrap up the series and move on to Zimbabwe full of confidence.
