South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20 Tips - Watch for sixes in Centurion

By Nikhil Kalro

11 Dec 2024

Nikhil Kalro 11 Dec 2024

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South Africa won the first T20I by 11 runs against Pakistan
David Miller and George Linde starred in South Africa's comeback with explosive batting
Pakistan needs to strengthen their middle order to combat South Africa's batting in Centurion

South Africa and Pakistan (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Pakistan Second T20 Preview

South Africa and Pakistan began an important tour with the T20I series on Tuesday. Immediately, Pakistan’s lack of firepower with the bat was showed up in the first T20I as they were beaten by 11 runs in the opener.

South Africa were put under immediate pressure by Pakistan’s bowling unit as they were curtailed to 28 for 3. However, the hosts came storming back led by David Miller’s 82 off just 40 balls, which included four fours and eight sixes.

George Linde performed admirably too, producing 48 off just 24 balls to help lift South Africa to 183 for 9.

Only two Pakistan batters crossed 30 in the chase. Captain Mohammad Rizwan produced a determined 74 off 62 balls but his strike rate of 119.35 was just not enough in a high-scoring match.

Saim Ayub hit seven fours en route to his 31 off 15 balls but there were few performances of substances in between as Pakistan finished 11 runs short. Linde led the bowling unit with sparkling figures of 4 for 21 from his four overs.

South Africa Form

South Africa’s batters were immediately hit by Shaheen Afridi’s left-arm pace with the top three batsmen producing a combined 16 runs.

On a high-scoring ground like Centurion, a slow start could prove fatal. Still, South Africa were helped along by terrific performances from their middle order, which is a promising sign for this new-look T20I squad.

South Africa have some bowling problems with their inexperienced line-up, which includes Kwena Maphaka, Andile Simelane, Ottneil Baartman and Nqabayomzi Peter. Pakistan may look at that bowling as a weakness, and would do well to capitalise on that lack of experience.

South Africa Team News

South Africa will be without Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada and Tristan Stubbs as all of those Test players have just completed the Test series against Sri Lanka. South Africa could tamper with their combination a bit, and give more players a chance in Centurion.

Pakistan Form

Pakistan’s middle order is also rather inexperienced, with several players having just recently entered international cricket. As a result, Pakistan will rely heavily on experienced players like Rizwan, Babar Azam and Afridi.

Pakistan are just coming off a T20I series win against Zimbabwe 2-1. While that will give them a bit of confidence, there are also concerns around Pakistan’s depth particularly in the hitting department, which is a stark difference from South Africa.

Pakistan Team News

Pakistan may consider bringing in additional firepower in the middle order on a batting-friendly surface like Centurion.

Verdict

South Africa v Pakistan 2nd T20

There is enough confidence and skill in that Pakistan batting to match up with South Africa.

However, when T20Is move to Centurion, you could always consider the sixes betting market with the thin air in the Highveld region making six-hitting a tad easier than the rest of the country.

South Africa will continue to go up in the air instead of along on the ground to capitalise on these conditions.