SA vs PAK: 4th T20I, Match Prediction – Who will win today’s match?

Preview

The four-match T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa have been a pretty high-scoring one thus far. After the first three games, it’s Babar Azam and Co, who are sitting with an unassailable 2-1 lead. In the third game at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, the home team posted in excess of 200 in their first innings.

But Babar’s 49-ball century in the steep run-chase denied them a victory. Mohammad Rizwan’s incredible form with the bat in hand also continued. Moreover, Pakistan also beat the Proteas in all three T20Is in Centurion.

Going into the fourth and final T20I at the same venue on Friday, April 16, the visitors would be looking for another clinical performance. As far as Heinrich Klaasen and Co are concerned, all they could do is secure a win and tie the series.

Match Details

Match – South Africa vs Pakistan – 4th match

Venue – SuperSport Park, Centurion

Time – 6:00 PM IST, 12:30 PM GMT

Where to watch live – Star Sports Network, Hotstar

Pitch Report

The pitch at the SuperSport Park hasn’t been of much help for the bowlers thus far, bearing in mind the numbers. Scores over 200 may also be chased down. But going by history, the team, batting first, has a fair amount of lead. The playing conditions will be sunny with no chances of rain. The temperature will be around 27 degrees Celsius with the humidity on the lower side.

Avg score:  183 (11 T20Is at the SuperSport Park)

Record of chasing teams: Won – 4, Lost – 7, Tied – 0

Probable Playing XIs:

South Africa

Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Pite Van Biljon, Rassie van der Dussen/Wihan Lubbe, Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk), George Linde, Andile Phehlukwayo, Bjorn Fortuin, Lutho Sipamla, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi

Bench: JJ Smuts, Dwaine Pretorius/Sisanda Magala, Lizaad Williams, Keshav Maharaj, Daryn Dupavillon, Kyle Verreynne

Pakistan

Mohammad Rizwan, Babar Azam (c), Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Usman Qadir

Bench: Imam-ul-Haq, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abdullah Shafique, Sarfaraz Ahmed/Asif Ali

Head-to-Head

Overall

Played – 20 | South Africa– 10 |Pakistan – 10 |N/R – 0

Probable best batsman of the match

Babar Azam- South Africa

Babar Azam didn’t have overly great outings in the first two T20Is. But the 26-year-old was able to make amends after he smashed 186 runs at an average and strike-rate of 62 and 151.22 respectively. He was criticised after his run-a-ball 50 in the second T20I, but he made a comeback playing at a strike rate of 206.78. Pakistan would be hoping for another decent knock from Babar.

Probable best bowler of the match

Lizaad Williams– Pakistan

Right arm fast bowler Lizaad Williams has been impressive for the Proteas in the series. He made his debut in the ongoing series and he hasn’t disappointed by any means. In the 11.5 overs he has bowled, Williams has picked up five wickets, the highest in the series. The seamer has an economy rate of 9.12, but a strike rate of 14.2 means that he has picked up wickets at a fair clip.

Today’s match prediction: Pakistan to win the match.

Disclaimer: This prediction is based on the understanding, analysis, and instinct of the author. While making your prediction, consider the points mentioned, and make your own decision.