Janneman Malan could receive his debut as the Proteas take on Pakistan in the second T20I at the Wanderers, writes KHALID MOHIDIN. 

The Proteas prevented Pakistan from completing a 10th consecutive victory with a thrilling six-run win at Newlands.

It was an impressive performance from the Proteas, who were put in to bat first and managed to post 192-8 thanks to exhilarating 70s and a record 131-run partnership from Reeza Hendricks (74) and Faf du Plessis (78).

ALSO READ: Reeza, Faf score superb 70s before Pakistan fightback

Pakistan fought back as a No 1-ranked team should, and if it weren’t for tight bowling from Andile Phehlukwayo (1-27) and superb fielding from David Miller (four catches, two run-outs) the hosts could have found themselves on the losing end.

ALSO READ: Miller magic sparks Newlands win

Compliments to the groundsman, Ihtishaam Adams, who prepared the Newlands strip in a manner that provided an electric clash. Both Hussein Talat and Du Plessis praised the prepared wicket in their post-match press conference.

Next up is the Wanderers. The Bull Ring is expected to host a sold-out crowd. The pitch is prepared by groundsman Evan Flint, who moved over from Newlands, so it will be interesting to see what wicket is presented after the bad reviews the Wanderers strip were getting in recent months.

This ground is the home of the Mzansi Super League champions the Jozi Stars, and the pitch did prove to be a high-scoring one throughout the tournament. International teams have scored above 200 on 11 occasions on the ground, so based on history a high-scoring affair can be expected.

Weather reports, however, suggest an 80% chance of thunderstorms that could affect the match if the predictions prove accurate.

Players to Watch: 

The pressure will be on the Proteas captain after Du Plessis announced that he will miss the last two T20Is. With Quinton de Kock out injured, this could see Janneman Malan slot in at the top of the order with Gihahn Cloete, Reeza Hendricks dropping to three. Miller also needs some valuable runs, not having fired this series.

Usman Shinwari was Pakistan’s best bowler in the first T20I with 3-31, and caused problems for the Proteas in the ODI series too. Hussein also showed his all-rounder qualities and will be key to Pakistan middle overs with bat and ball.

Probable XIs

Proteas
1) Janneman Malan
2) Gihahn Cloete (wk)
3) Reeza Hendricks
4) Rassie van der Dussen
5) David Miller (c)
6) Heinrich Klaasen
7) Andile Phehlukwayo
8) Chris Morris
9) Junior Dala/Lutho Sipamla
10) Beuran Hendricks
11) Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan

1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Babar Azam
3) Hussain Talat
4) Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
5) Shoaib Malik (c)
6) Asif Ali
7) Imad Wasim
8) Shadab Khan
9) Faheem Ashraf
10) Hasan Ali
11) Usman Shinwari

Photo: Ryan Wilkisky/BackpagePix