Pakistan v South Africa: Players to Watch and Bet On

This will be South Africa’s first tour to Pakistan in 14 years since their 2007 Series which they won 1 – 0 and 3-2 in the ODIs. It is not often you see two teams that have not played each other for 14 years but it is this that makes this series very intriguing, with many unknowns.

Seeing as this will be the first time that most of the South African side (quick search suggests Faf Du Plessis is the only one to have played in Pakistan and that was in the PSL) have ever been to Pakistan, it is a great shame that the series is only for two tests and three T20s. That said, there is much interest and anticipation at what might transpire over the series.

We take a look at players from both sides who will make an impact and you should punt on.

Faf Du Plessis

Pre COVID-19, Faf Du Plessis had pretty much said that the home series against England would be his last in Test cricket. COVID-19 then came along which allowed him to get some much-needed rest and recuperation to recharge those batteries. It was clear the captaincy had drained him towards the end.

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He is also a man in good form with four 50’s and two 100’s in his last 12 innings. He may not be captain anymore, but his experience will be invaluable to what is a very inexperienced team, especially in Asia. The proteas can feel incredibly lucky he did get that good nine months rest.

Quinton De Kock

Quinton De Kock will be under immense pressure in this series as captain, wicket-keeper and a front-line batsman who has a poor record in Asia. I suspect he will have a very testing time in Pakistan and will probably come in far earlier than South Africa will want him to.

However, if he can manage to get through the difficult periods, he could be the perfect weapon for South Africa in the periods when the Pakistan bowlers get tired. His average of 62.75 against Pakistan will be something he can strive to maintain throughout the series.

Wiaan Mulder

It could be argued that Wiaan Mulder was the find of the series against Sri Lanka and in particular his bowling, as he finished the series with nine wickets. He bowled with decent pace, getting deliveries to bounce off a good length but his line and length were the most impressive aspect against Sri Lanka. He, however, was picked as a batting all-rounder and needs runs to properly cement his place in the Test XI.

Babar Azam

Provided he is fit, Babar will be the best batsman in this series and his presence provide Pakistan with a much-needed boost. He is a beautiful stroke maker with arguably the best cover drive around, he also averages 68.44 and 67.60 in his last two seasons.

The fact that he was at the PSL draft this week looking fit and saying that he is back into training will be good news for the hosts. If he can find his form in time, he could be the difference between Pakistan winning or losing the series. To the neutral, it will be great to see him back, as he is a world class batsman.

Yasir Shah

Yasir is not in my opinion the greatest leg spinner in the world, despite Shane Warne saying so repeatedly. That said, his numbers in Test Cricket are especially good. South African batsmen should be aware of his qualities, even if his current average against them is 123. This series may well be different, as he will be playing in conditions that will suit him.

He is also a man in form, at least in Pakistan. He finished with 16 wickets in the two games he played in this seasons Quaid-e-Azam Trophy competition. Also, before COVID-19 came he picked up four wickets in the second innings of the February 2020 Test match at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium (venue for the second Test) as Pakistan won by an innings.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen is a skilful bowler and at 20 he is Pakistan’s deadliest bowler right now. He is the one bowler in their attack that can swing the ball both ways and has an excellent bouncer and yorker. He reminds me much of a young Mohammed Amir, who sadly has retired from Test cricket. He does also have a lot of extra height which gives him the ability to bowl those menacing bouncers to great effect. He had a poor tour of NZ but is too good for that to have a long-term effect on him. In an age where bowlers who can bowl 150 kph are a dying breed, he is a jewel and should be treasured by Pakistan