Pakistan vs South Africa – 3rd T20 International Preview & Prediction
THE FACTS
When is Pakistan vs South Africa taking place? Sunday, February 14th, 2021 – 13:00 (UK)
Where is Pakistan vs South Africa taking place? Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
What is the expected weather for Pakistan vs South Africa? 24c cloudy
What channel is Pakistan vs South Africa on? The match will be televised live on Sky Sports Mix or Sky Sports Cricket (Sky channels 416 or 404)
Where can I stream Pakistan vs South Africa? The match can be streamed live via SkyGo
LAST MEETING
South Africa beat Pakistan by 6 wickets
THE TEAM NEWS
PAKISTAN
- Pakistan were hugely disappointing in the second T20 match as they lost by six wickets and they could only muster a below-par total of 144/7 which their bowlers struggled to defend on what was a reasonable pitch at a relatively small ground.
- Mohammad Rizwan was once again the only authentic batsmen to produce the goods as he hit 51 but other than a vital cameo of 30 from 12 balls from Faheem Ashraf, so many of their batsmen including Babar Azam looked woefully out of form.
- Changes are on the cards for the hosts with Asif Ali likely to be given a chance in the middle order while Mohammad Hasnain could come into the bowling attack for the struggling Haris Rauf.
SOUTH AFRICA
- South Africa responded in style in the second T20 as their various changes paid off as they managed to hold the hosts to just 144 when batting first and then they eased to victory with six wickets and just under four overs to spare.
- Dwaine Pretorius was the undoubted star of the show for them as he took 5/17 from his four overs to register the best ever bowling figures by an overseas player in T20s in Pakistan and his regular wickets prevented the home side from building any momentum.
- Pite von Biljon and JJ Smuts did well on their return to the side and while Glenton Stuurman struggled with his two overs which went for 28, it would be no surprise if they went unchanged for this deciding game.
THE PREDICTION
Over the course of the two T20 matches played so far ahead of this decider, it is South Africa who have had the best of the games and more control throughout. They had some strong moments in the first game before narrowly losing and then after some changes in personnel, they were clearly the best team in the second game. They simply have more players in good form compared to the home side and unless the likes of Babar Azam can find some form quickly, the tourists have to be favoured win this third and deciding T20 game.
