Pakistan eyes comeback in second T20I against South Africa

Pakistan will be aiming to bounce back in the second T20I against South Africa in Pretoria on Friday, as they seek to level the series after a 11-run defeat in the opening match in the first T20I at Kingsmead.

The hosts made a strong statement in the opening T20I, with George Linde delivering a match-winning all-round performance, taking four wickets for 21 runs in four overs and then scoring 48 off just 24 balls.

South Africa’s innings was also bolstered by a blistering knock from David Miller, who top-scored with 82 from 40 balls.

Nortje’s injury blow for South Africa

However, the Proteas received a massive blow ahead of the second T20I when fast bowler Anrich Nortje was ruled out of the remainder of the T20 series and the subsequent ODI series.

Nortje, who had been sidelined for nine months with a stress fracture before returning for the T20 World Cup, is now dealing with a toe injury. Scans revealed a fracture, and he will miss the remaining T20s and all three One-Day Internationals.

South Africa's Anrich Nortje in action during the 2024 T20 World Cup semi-final against Afghanistan.Reuters

Uncapped all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem has been named as Nortje’s replacement for the remaining T20 fixtures. This further depletes a South African squad that had already rested several regulars for the T20 series.

Pakistan’s struggles in chase

Pakistan’s chase faltered despite a valiant effort from captain Mohammad Rizwan. Rizwan anchored the innings, remaining unbeaten on 74, but was criticized for his slow strike rate throughout the innings.

Pakistan’s response of 172-8 fell short by 11 runs, and they were always behind the required run rate. Babar Azam, too, faced heavy criticism after being dismissed for a four-ball duck.

Saim Ayub, who played a quick cameo of 31 from 15 balls, could be a key player for Pakistan in the next match. Pakistan might be tempted to move Ayub to the top of the order in a bid to break up the opening partnership between Rizwan and Babar, which has faced criticism for its slow starts in the powerplay.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan in action during the first T20I against South Africa.PCB

The potential promotion of Saim to open the batting could add the dynamism Pakistan needs in the powerplay. Ayub's aggressive strokeplay could provide the perfect foil to Rizwan’s anchor role, and his partnership with Babar could be crucial in setting the tone for the innings.

Pakistan's bowling unit did not perform poorly, but they could not restrict South Africa’s aggressive batting. Sufiyan Muqeem had a rare off day, conceding 53 runs from his four overs. Despite his poor showing, it is likely that Pakistan will stick with him for the next match.

Pakistan will need a collective improvement in both batting and bowling. They will want to capitalize on the absence of Nortje, which weakens South Africa’s pace attack.

With the series on the line, Pakistan's bowling attack will also need to tighten up. Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf will have to lead the charge, but they will be hoping for better support from their fellow bowlers, including the enigmatic Muqeem.

The pitch at Pretoria is expected to offer some bounce, which should suit the pacers, but Pakistan’s bowlers will need to adapt and bowl with more discipline than they did in the opening match.

South Africa names strong ODI squad

As the T20I series progresses, South Africa is also focusing on the upcoming ODI series, which is set to begin next week.

Several key players have been brought back into the squad for the 50-over format, including Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Marco Jansen. Their inclusion strengthens South Africa’s lineup, which will be looking to build momentum ahead of next year’s ICC Champions Trophy.

The ODI squad also includes 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who made a strong impression in the first T20I with his fiery pace and two key wickets of Rizwan and Babar.

South Africa ODI squad: Temba Bavuma (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi and Rassie van der Dussen