South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd T20 Predictions and Match Preview

In a shocking turn of tides, the inexperienced hands of South Africa’s current squad somehow managed to not only best Pakistan - who crumbled in a way that has become emblematic of them (and a couple of other teams) over the years - but absolutely crush them. With renewed confidence, the Proteas will now look to take the lead in the series, while the Men in Green will look to do the same, but while gathering their wits, which seem to be spilled all over the ground for now. Between the two teams, one will aim to strike back with the full might of its fury, while the other will look to outfox that fury with whatever resources it has. Before the battle of the greens recommences, let’s take a look at how things went and how they stand.

South Africa

Predicted XI for 3rd T20 vs Pakistan

Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), George Linde, Janneman Malan, Dwaine Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Pite van Biljon, Wihan Lubbe.

South Africa team preview and form

While many of the players in the South African camp must have hoped or even expected to defeat Pakistan, it’s unlikely that anyone would have expected it to be this one-sided. Bowling first, George Linde struck with the very first ball, and never relented. Taking 3 for 23, he was supported by Lizaad Williams who took another 3, and with overall economical performances and poor running between the wickets by their opponents, the Proteas were able to restrict Pakistan to a tepid 140. On the chase, Aiden Markram once again showed his form by getting a swift 54 off 30, and with support from Heinrich Klaasen’s 36 off 21 and George Linde’s 20-run cameo, they were able to defeat the visitors with 6 wickets and a whopping 6 overs remaining.

South Africa key players for 3rd T20 vs Pakistan 

Aiden Markram: When a man is in such commanding form, it’s hard to leave them out of the equation.

Heinrich Klaasen: Although he didn’t get much time to flex his abilities, Klaasen is also in great form.

George Linde: Linde showed what he’s capable of in the second match - not that we didn’t know already.

Lizaad Williams: Like Linde, newcomer Wiliams also summoned his skills.

Pakistan

Predicted XI for 3rd T20 vs South Africa

Babar Azam (c), Shadab Khan, Sharjeel Khan, Usman Qadir, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Arshad Iqbal.

Pakistan team preview and form

Forever the flaky team, Pakistan showed once more why they have this particular reputation. Batting first, they lost both their openers early, and although Babar Azam steadied the innings, his strike rate was a miserable 100 for the 50 balls he played, and the only players showing any real intent were Mohammad Hafeez with 32 off 23, and Hasan Ali with his short-lived 12 off 3. Defending only 140, Pakistan failed to put any real pressure despite Usman Qadir picking up two and Hasan Ali bowling well for his only wicket. In the end, the visitors lost by an embarrassing margin.

Pakistan key players for 3rd T20 vs South Africa

Babar Azam: Although bizarrely defensive in the previous match, Azam nevertheless got the runs we expected him to.

Mohammad Hafeez: Even at 40, Hafeez shows more energy than many of his teammates.

Usman Qadir: The talented bowler has shown plenty of potential on this trip.

Shaheen Shah Afridi: Afridi will love being back on the pace-friendly Centurion pitch.

South Africa vs Pakistan 3rd T20 pitch report and weather conditions

The pitch at SuperSport Park, Centurion is credited to be a pacer’s pitch through and through, with lots of speed and bounce off of the hard surface. Expect teams to choose to field first, and teams batting first to aim for 165 or more.

It’s going to be a beautiful day for cricket in Centurion, albeit a little on the dry side. Forecasts predict a comfortable temperature, a slight breeze, and zero rain.

Can the inexperienced Proteas side continue to outperform their seasoned opponents? Or will the Men in Green put the greenhorns in their place? Find out if our South Africa versus Pakistan 3rd T20 predictions come true on Wednesday!