A solid fightback from South Africa made the T20I series against Pakistan more exciting as they meet once again in the third game today in Centurion. The levelled up series is just two matches away from the result but the third contest will not be lesser than a decider.
Pakistan hunted a victory in the first T20I but they fall in the next, seemed like they got overconfident. From Top-order to middle-order failed completely and that failure schooled the team management that too many experiments were not ideal at any cost.
Sharjeel Khan, one of the most talked Pakistani cricketers in recent times, made his comeback but his inclusion not only disturbed the well-set opening pair of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan but also the consistency Rizwan brought with Babar in the opening slot.
The left-handed batsman got a chance in place of injured Fakhar Zaman and managed to score just 8. Most likely, he will play the second match as management had assured giving players ample opportunities.
Reportedly, Pakistan was an experienced side in front of South Africa but the hosts put visitors in deep trouble after their convincing victory.
Pakistani team management must be concerned about their middle-order as Mohammad Hafeez’s inclusion still was unable to fill in that gap. Haider Ali is finding it difficult to score runs being in a hurry whereas Faheem Ashraf is somewhere showing his worth by scoring some runs down the order.
The Bowling line was also questionable as Shaheen Shah Afridi, Pakistan’s leading pacer, looked rusty. It looked like he needs some rest and maybe Arshad Iqbal can be given chance to make his T20I debut.
Tomorrow’s match
The match will start at 5 pm PST
