Tougher tests await Pakistan in SA
The South African half of the four-match Twenty20 home and away series between these two teams has arrived but the promise it could have been accompanied with, has not
Match facts
Wednesday, November 20, 2013Start time 1800 local (1600GMT)
Big Picture
The South African half of the four-match Twenty20 home and away series between these two teams has arrived but the promise it could have been accompanied with, has not. Pakistan were outplayed in the UAE, in both matches, although the result of the second's suggested it was much closer than it really was.Form guide
(Last five completed games, most recent first)Pakistan LLWWW
South Africa WWLWW
In the spotlight
Pakistan's batting has been their Achilles' Heel throughout the series against South Africa and it's not going to get any easier for them. The conditions and the opponent's attack on their home turf will mean Pakistan's line-up have to brace themselves against the short ball. The Wanderers track will facilitate good bounce and carry, Dale Steyn and co will be baying for blood and Nasir Jamshed, Ahmed Shehzad and Mohammad Hafeez will have to have made swift improvements to play the pull shot. All three have been susceptible to getting out when it's banged in short and will have to ensure they are better equipped for what could be a barrage in South Africa.Team news
With Mohammad Irfan ruled out of the tour, Pakistan will have to look for other quick options. Junaid Khan and Sohail Tanvir will do the bulk of the seam-bowling duties and they will have to make a decision on whether to include Anwar Ali - who also offers a bit with the bat down the order - or hand Bilawal Bhatti, who has only played 10 T20 games domestically, a debut.Stats and trivia
- Despite a lean patch in Tests and ODIs, Faf du Plessis is the sixth-highest run-scorer in T20s this year, 76 runs behind the leader, Ahmed Shehzad.
Quotes
"When team management decided to rest a couple of the senior players, it provided opportunities and I think that a lot of the players have responded positively to that."Ryan McLaren believes the absence of the likes of Graeme Smith and Jacques Kallis and the rotation of bowlers has helped South Africa explore its depth.
Moin Khan, Pakistan's team manager gave a simple answer for Pakistan's decision to take Tuesday off.
Firdose Moonda is ESPNcricinfo's South Africa correspondent