South Africa vs. Pakistan 2nd T20: Full Match Preview and Expert Predictions

Match: South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd T20
When: Friday, 13 December 2024, 18:00 SAST
Where: SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium

David Miller was the star with the bat scoring a magnificent 40- ball 82 where he smashed 8 sixes and George Linde delivered an all-round performance scoring 48 runs and took four wickets. Proteas posted 183 after batting first – despite the Mohammad Rizwan’s spirited 74 in the chase but it was not enough to take his nation over the line.

Both nations are now heading to the 2nd match at Centurion on Friday. A pressure is on the visitors to level the scoreline in order for the series to be decided on the third and final match in Johannesburg on Saturday. On Tuesday, Pakistan had no answers to the Miller’s attack who destroyed their bowling attack in spectacular fashion. It was bad ending especially after they done well in the power play. But one would say they failed to restrict the home side from posting a very competitive total. In the end, 183 looked like a very chaseable scoreline given the attack Pakistan have. 

But the early exit of key player Babar Azam through Kwena Maphaka without scoring, It meant Pakistan has to look  for another hero. Rizwan tried but he only got fired up in the later stages of the match. These are types of mistakes the side has to work on if they are hoping to turn the tie around.

One thing that will be music into the ears for Pakistan is that in four instances they have faced Proteas in country’s capital they have managed to win in all occasions. The last time these two great cricket nations were playing in the ground was back in 2021 where Pakistan claimed a 3 wickets victory. In fact, Pakistan claimed two wins in 2021 in the same venue when they beat Proteas 3-1 in the 4 matches series.

On the other end, Proteas need some inspiration whenever they are at the same ground. In 15 T20 international matches, Proteas have won six and losing nine in the process. It a record they will want to get rid of very soon. If it can happen on Friday, it will be special as it will seal the important series. So only time will tell but if they can show remarkable display like they have done in Durban – then the victory will be on the door. 

Meanwhile Pakistan will be hoping a good track record will come into party again. In five T20 series they have traveled to South Africa, they have emerged victorious on three occasions, drew one and in one instance they have been on losing end. That loss date back 17 years ago. So It history on the line for both side.

So the fans will anticipate to see if Proteas will final break 17 long  years without beating Pakistan on home soil or Pakistan will continue to be dominant over the side. In the last five matches Proteas have played in Centurion, three 200 plus scoreline have been witnessed by the fans. It a pretty good surface for the batsmen to take the ball over the boundaries. 

Weather Conditions

Extremely hot temperatures are expected throughout the week in Pretoria and even on match day. The conditions shall be favorable for the batsmen on the day.

Prediction

Pakistan to win the match and level the series.