SA Vs PAK 2024, 3rd T20I: Match Prediction, Dream11 Team, Fantasy Tips & Pitch Report

The third and final T20I between South Africa and Pakistan is set to take place at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg on Saturday, December 14. With South Africa already clinching the series 2-0, the final game offers the Proteas a chance to assert dominance with a clean sweep, while Pakistan will be keen to salvage pride in the concluding match of their tour.

The high-stakes encounter promises to be a thrilling affair as both sides bring their A-game to one of the most batter-friendly grounds in world cricket.

Series So Far: Proteas’ Commanding Display

South Africa has been in scintillating form in this series, showcasing dominance with the bat and ball. In the second T20I, they chased down Pakistan’s formidable 205-run target with ease, thanks to a breathtaking century by Reeza Hendricks.

Hendricks’ 101 off 55 balls not only sealed the game but also earned him the Player of the Match award. With notable contributions from Heinrich Klaasen and David Miller, the Proteas’ batting lineup has been firing on all cylinders.

Meanwhile, Pakistan’s bowlers, including Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf, struggled to contain South Africa’s aggressive approach. Despite valiant efforts from their captain Babar Azam and opener Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan has fallen short in both games.

The third T20I offers Pakistan a chance to regroup and put up a strong fight, aiming to end the series on a high note.

Venue Preview: The Wanderers Stadium

The Wanderers Stadium, also known as “The Bullring,” is renowned for its electrifying atmosphere and batting-friendly pitch. Over the years, it has been the stage for numerous high-scoring games, making it a paradise for batters.

Pitch Report

The surface at Wanderers is consistent, offering true bounce and enabling batters to play through the line with confidence. Bowlers, particularly spinners, may find it challenging to extract turn, but skillful pacers can exploit early movement or vary their lengths to create opportunities.

Historically, the venue has favored teams chasing, thanks to its predictable pitch behavior and shorter boundaries. Captains winning the toss might lean toward batting second, although setting a daunting target remains a viable strategy.

Team News and Key Players

South Africa: Aiming for Perfection

Led by Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa’s confidence is soaring after clinching the series. Reeza Hendricks, in particular, has been a standout performer, scoring runs with remarkable consistency.

Reeza Hendricks: With a century in the last game, Hendricks will be the linchpin of South Africa’s batting order.
David Miller: Known as a finisher, Miller’s explosive power will be critical in the death overs.
Tabraiz Shamsi: The crafty spinner has the potential to trouble Pakistan’s batters, especially in the middle overs.

South Africa’s bowling unit, led by Ottneil Baartman, will aim to tighten its lines and capitalize on any early breakthroughs.

Pakistan: A Fight for Redemption

Pakistan’s batting lineup has shown flashes of brilliance, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchoring the innings. However, they’ll need support from the middle order to post competitive totals.

Babar Azam: The skipper will be key to Pakistan’s chances, needing to lead from the front with a big score.
Shaheen Afridi: Pakistan’s spearhead will be tasked with providing early wickets and keeping South Africa’s batters in check.
Saim Ayub: The young all-rounder offers an exciting mix of power-hitting and handy bowling options.

Pakistan’s bowlers must regroup and deliver a disciplined performance to trouble South Africa’s in-form batters.

Key Battles to Watch

Reeza Hendricks vs. Shaheen Afridi

Shaheen Afridi’s lethal swing bowling in the powerplay will be tested against Reeza Hendricks’ aggressive stroke play. This battle could set the tone for the match.

Babar Azam vs. Tabraiz Shamsi

Babar’s ability to handle spin will be crucial against Shamsi, who thrives on building pressure in the middle overs.

David Miller vs. Haris Rauf

As a finisher, Miller’s fireworks in the death overs could clash with Haris Rauf’s pace and variations.

SA vs. PAK Dream11 Fantasy Picks

Top Picks for Dream11 Teams

Wicketkeepers: Heinrich Klaasen, Mohammad Rizwan
Batters: Reeza Hendricks, Babar Azam, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen
All-rounders: Patrick Kruger, Saim Ayub
Bowlers: Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Shaheen Afridi

Captain and Vice-Captain Choices

Heinrich Klaasen (C), Mohammad Rizwan (VC)
Babar Azam (C), Reeza Hendricks (VC)

Probable Playing XIs

South Africa

Ryan Rickelton
Reeza Hendricks
Rassie van der Dussen
Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk)
David Miller
Patrick Kruger
George Linde
Dayyaan Galiem
Tabraiz Shamsi
Ottneil Baartman
Nqabayomzi Peter

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk)
Babar Azam
Saim Ayub
Usman Khan
Tayyab Tahir
Shaheen Afridi
Haris Rauf
Abbas Afridi
Abrar Ahmed
Salman Agha
Omair Yousuf

Match Prediction

South Africa will start as favorites, given their form and the momentum of winning the series. Their batting depth and familiarity with home conditions make them a tough side to beat. However, Pakistan’s potential to bounce back should not be underestimated, especially if their bowlers can deliver in the early stages of the match.

Expect a high-scoring thriller, with the team batting second likely to have an edge given the historical trends at Wanderers Stadium.

The third T20I at Wanderers promises to be a fitting conclusion to a series that has already delivered exhilarating cricket. While South Africa aims for a series sweep, Pakistan will leave no stone unturned in their quest to end the tour on a high.

Fans can look forward to a riveting contest under the Johannesburg lights, with plenty of action, drama, and entertainment in store. Will it be South Africa’s clean sweep or Pakistan’s resurgence? The stage is set, and the answer awaits!

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