RSA vs PAK 1st T20 Match Prediction

RSA vs PAK Team Previews

South Africa

The Proteas learned from their mistakes as the ODI series marched ahead and eventually finished on a happy note by wrapping up the series with a dominating win in the final ODI. With this series win, South Africa now have won five out the six series they've played since Otis Gibson has taken charge as their coach.

With World Cup not too far, South Africa are likely to rest few of their key players and field a relatively different team in the shortest version of the game. With Hashim Amla not in South Africa's T20 squad, Reeza Hendricks and Quinton de Kock are likely to start the proceedings with the bat for the Saffers.

Skipper Faf du Plessis is once again going to play an important role in the middle-order along with Heinrich Klaasen, Rassie van der Dussen, and David Miller. Klaasen exhibited his skills of handling spins when India toured South Africa and he will be a key man in the Proteas' plan against Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim.

The only place where South Africa lack depth is their bowling. Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn are rested for the T20 series and, therefore, Andile Phehlukwayo, Junior Dala, and Chris Morris will shoulder the load of the pace-bowling department. Spin bowling will be taken care of by Tabraiz Shamsi. Overall, the South African side appears to be well-rounded. However, the lack of experience in the quick-bowling department makes them a little prone to cracking under pressure.

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Pakistan

There's definitely something, if not a love affair, between the shortest format of the game and Pakistan. In the recent history, Pakistan have done exceedingly well in the T20s regardless of how they've done in the series preceding or succeeding it. Such has been their dominance in this version of the game, that they've climbed to the top spot in the ICC Men's T20I Rankings.

In the year 2018, Pakistan had a staggering record. Out of the 19 matches, they played, only twice did they fail to emerge victorious. Although a couple of their series wins were against the lower ranked teams, there were some noteworthy wins including the whitewashes over the Kiwis and the Kangaroos.

Pakistan are coming into the series with a streak of nine wins behind their back. Their bowling has played an integral role in most, if not all, of those nine wins. Usman Shinwari did well for Melbourne Renegades in Big Bash League as was brilliant in South African conditions a few days ago. Against the batting lineup which is not known for its spin playing abilities, Shadab Khan and Imad Wasim will play a key role.

Overall, Pakistan haven't made many changes to their T20 lineup as compared to the one that played in the ODI series. Barring a couple of changes, we are likely to see them field a similar side and if their bowlers can do the same sort of damage they did in the T20s last year, Pakistan will be a tough side to beat.