Faf du Plessis and Reeza Hendricks shared a record partnership as South Africa ended a nine-match Pakistan T20 winning streak in the last match. South Africa prevailed by six runs in a tense finish after being sent in and making 192 for six. Pakistan came close, scoring 182 for nine. “We were two boundaries behind,” said Pakistan captain Shoaib Malik on Friday.
In the end, it was the fielding of David Miller that made the difference. His two direct-hit run-outs, including the key wicket of Babar Azam, and a South African record four catches, meant that Pakistan kept losing wickets as they chased a challenging target. Miller was named man of the match.
The match turned in South Africa’s favour when Talat was caught off Shamsi, to be followed in the next over by Babar’s run out, after a superb piece of fielding by Miller. Malik kept Pakistan in the game, scoring 49 off 31 balls before he was dismissed off the third ball of the final over. Pakistan fans would like Malik to plays the same when Pakistan clashes with South Africa again
South Africa probable playing XI: Quinton de Kock (WK), Hashim Amla, Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis (C), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Dale Steyn, Beuran Hendricks and Imran Tahir.
Pakistan probable playing XI: Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik (C), Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Amir, Usman Shinwari and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
FPJ’s dream 11 prediction: Quinton de Kock, Hashim Amla, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Imam-ul-Haq, Mohammad Hafeez, Shoaib Malik, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, Imad Wasim and Mohammad Amir.