SA vs PAK T20I series: Top five performers to watch out for
After a gripping three-match ODI series that Pakistan won 2-1, both the teams will see each other in a four-match T20I series as South Africa’s cricket season comes to an end. With the 14th edition of the IPL starting, South Africa has many of their major players missing, although Pakistan has a full-strength team. Ahead of the series, here’s a look at the top 5 players to watch out for –
5. Babar Azam (Pakistan)
The Pakistan skipper was in fine form in the ODIs, where his scores read 103, 31, and 94. Having finished the series with 228 runs at a massive average of 76, the no. 3 ranked batsman in the current ICC T20I rankings would be keen to lead from the front and take his side to another series victory. Azam currently averages over 48 with 1730 runs in 47 T20Is.
4. Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan)
Although Mohammad Rizwan had a forgettable ODI series, where he scored only 42 runs across three innings, he was in golden form in the 20-over format not too long ago. The wicketkeeper-batsman accumulated 197 runs at a staggering average of 98.50 when South Africa travelled to Pakistan in February this year. He fought alone in the first T20I, scoring 104* from 64 to win the game for his side, and he followed that with scores of 51 and 42.
3. Rassie van der Dussen (South Africa)
Rassie van der Dussen has been one of the most consistent performers for his team ever he has stepped in. He started the ODI series with a brilliant knock of 123 at Centurion that bailed his team out of trouble and followed with a quick-fire 60 in the second game, before missing the final game due to a muscle strain. Currently ranked no. 7 in the ICC rankings, Dussen is the only batsman from South Africa in the top 10.
2. Tabraiz Shamsi (South Africa)
Tabraiz Shamsi ended as the joint-highest wicket-taker for South Africa in the three-match series in February that South Africa lost 2-1 against Pakistan. He finished with 6 wickets at an average of 10.17 and a strike rate of 12. Moreover, Shamsi’s economy (5.08) was the best amongst both sides. Even though he did not have much business in the recent ODI series (only 1 wicket in two games), the leg-spinner is the No. 1 T20I bowler currently.
1. Haris Rauf (Pakistan)
Haris Rauf bagged 7 wickets in the series at an average of 24.42 and an economy of 5.89 to tie with Nortje as the leading wicket-taker. After a slightly expensive outing in the first ODI (2/72), he came back with two fine spells of 3/54 and 2/45 at Johannesburg and Centurion, respectively. With South African conditions suiting him well, Rauf is expected to fire with the same spirit in the T20I series as well.
