Pakistan requires extra efforts to uphold its consecutive triumphs in T20 Internationals by not succumbing to defeat against South Africa in rest of matches.
After having lost the first T20I at Newlands, Pakistan’s record of 11 straight series wins in T20 format seems tumbling. Its winning streak of nine T20I wins has already been halted.
But Pakistan at least still can survive the series loss with devising a proper strategy and its up to the mark execution.
It’s also worth noting that Pakistan has never lost a bilateral T20 series in South Africa. In March 2013 Pakistan won the two-match T20 series 1-0, and then in November 2013, it drew the series 1-1.
The two teams will meet against today (Sunday) at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg for the second T20I. In the past, they have faced each other twice at this venue but both times, Pakistan ended up as loser.
The Wanderers is the same venue wherein Pakistan lost the final of the ICC World Twenty20 against India on September 24, 2007. Though in the same event, Pakistan subjugated Sri Lanka and Australia.
Pakistan has won 11 T20 series consecutively
For the second T20 against South Africa, Pakistan may bring the experienced Mohammad Hafeez in. But whom he replaces, Hussain Talat or Faheem Ashraf, is yet to be seen.
But if Hafeez has to be included, it won’t be an easy replacement. Because Hussain Talat scored 40 runs in the first T20 while Faheem Ashraf, although remained expensive, picked up a wicket and also hit a six in a very crucial moment.
On the other hand, Faf du Plessis has rested himself for the second game; therefore, David Millar will lead South Africa. Du Plessis was also the highest scorer for South Africa in the first T20 with 78 runs.
Middle-order batsman David ‘Flying’ Miller has been appointed as South Africa’s captain for last two T20Is against Pakistan. Faf du Plessis has been rested for rest of the series #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/6aidlBpMlL
— Cricingif (@_cricingif) February 2, 2019
