South Africa vs Pakistan 2018-19, 2nd Test: Dream11 Fantasy Cricket Tips - Playing XI, Pitch Report & Injury Update

After a convincing win in the Centurion Test match, South Africa will take the field at the Cape Town to seal the three-match Test series against Pakistan. They are expected to field an all pace-attack at the Newlands. Duanne Olivier claimed ten wickets in the first Test in the absence of Vernon Philander. Olivier’s performance in the last game will help him retain his spot despite Philander’s return. However, Dale Steyn, the leading wicket-taker for South Africa could face the wrath if they decide to play Keshav Maharaj.

During the earlier home Test series, the Saffers played Maharaj ahead of a specialist batsman. However, given their recent batting performances, playing with five specialist bowlers might not be possible. On the other hand, Pakistan will have some changes to their bowling attack. Mohammad Abbas has been declared fit and could take the place of Yasir Shah or Hassan Ali. Yasir picked up only one wicket in the previous Test after the hosts almost chased down the target.

Match Details:

The 2nd match of the three-match Test series between South Africa and Pakistan will be hosted by the Newlands in Cape Town.

The match starts on 3rd January 2019 at 10:30 AM local time (8:30 AM GMT) (2:00 PM IST). The game will be live on Sony ESPN and Sony ESPN HD in India. (Live streaming in Sony Liv)

Last five Test matches:

South Africa: W, W, L, L, W.

Pakistan: L, L, W, L, W.

Pitch Condition/Report:

The previous three Test matches in Cape Town haven’t produced any big totals. The pitch here has slowed down recently. For the New Year’s Test match, the Newlands has produced a pitch with green tinge which is expected to get dry very soon. However, the ball will be moving off the pitch throughout the game for the fast bowlers with extra pace.

Squads:

South Africa:

Faf du Plessis (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Aiden Markram, Dean Elgar, Hashim Amla, Theunis de Bruyn, Temba Bavuma, Dale Steyn, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Duanne Olivier, Zubayr Hamza, Vernon Philander, Dane Paterson.

Pakistan:

Sarfraz Ahmed (c & wk), Imam-ul-Haq, Fakhar Zaman, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali, Asad Shafiq, Babar Azam, Mohammad Amir, Yasir Shah, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Haris Sohail, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Abbas.

Injury and Availability Updates after the announcement of the squads:

Haris Sohail has been ruled out of the remainder of the series. Both Mohammad Abbas and Vernon Philander are fit for this Test.

Power Picks:

Vernon Philander is set to make a comeback after an injury. He will be playing at his favourite venue, the Newlands in Cape Town. Philander has 49 wickets in just 9 Tests at this venue with an average of 16.55 with four five-fers. He also scored 232 runs here with two fifties at an average of 33.14 from 12 innings.

Captain and Vice-Captain Selection:

Philander’s record makes him ideal for a multiplier option along with Kagiso Rabada. The young pacer has claimed over 50 Test wickets each in 2017 and 2018. The likes of Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Afridi will be alternatives. Given the recent poor outings for the batsmen in both the squads, one can’t rely on their performances.

Suggested Playing XI for Head to Head/Small Leagues:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock

Batsmen – Faf du Plessis, Temba Bavuma, Shan Masood, Azhar Ali

All-Rounders – Vernon Philander (C)

Bowlers – Kagiso Rabada (VC), Duanne Olivier, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas

Suggested Playing XI for Grand Leagues/Mega Leagues:

Keeper – Quinton de Kock

Batsmen – Azhar Ali, Hashim Amla (VC), Dean Elgar, Fakhar Zaman

All-Rounders – Vernon Philander

Bowlers – Kagiso Rabada (C), Duanne Olivier, Mohammad Amir, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Abbas

Expert Advice:

Hashim Amla might have scored an unbeaten 63 at Centurion but his recent run cannot be ignored. Amla scored at least one fifty in 10 of the 12 matches he played in Centurion prior to the Boxing Day Test. In the six innings Amla has batted in previous three matches at Cape Town, he scored 98 runs at an average of 16.33 with the best score of 31.

Probable Winners:

South Africa could seal the Test series against Pakistan with one game to spare in Cape Town where they have not lost against any team except Australia since their readmission.

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