Five talking points from the South Africa vs Pakistan T20 Series

South African cricketers celebrate after taking a wicket of Pakistani captain Mohammad Hafeez

South Africa secured a 2-0 series victory against Pakistan in their second T20 match at the Dubai International stadium last night.

Pakistan were left dumbfounded as South Africa dominated both matches leaving much room for improvement as the two teams head to South Africa for two T20’s next week.

· Pakistan’s batting: Pakistan have succumbed to an embarrassing batting display in both T20 Internationals after being bowled out under hundred in the first T20. However, the hosts did bat valiantly in the second T20, but fell short of six runs after being comfortably placed at 101-3 in the 14^th over. Pakistan lost seven wickets in the space of 43 runs in six overs. The only batsman who has scored against the South African attack is Umar Akmal, scoring 60 runs in the two matches.

· Quinton de Kock: The 20-year old turned heads with his explosive batting against a fine Pakistan bowling attack. De Kock muzzled his critics by hitting a 38-ball 48 not out in the first T20. He was also involved in five dismissals including two stumpings. In the second T20, he scored a rapid 19-ball 30 to help his side get to 150.

· Pakistan bowling attack: Pakistan, who were second in the ICC T20 Rankings before the series, were expecting their bowlers to unsettle the tourists but never made a dent. They took six wickets throughout the entire two match series, which is a bit disappointing from the world-class bowling attack, which includes, Saeed Ajmal, Mohammad Hafeez and Mohammad Irfan.

· South African bowling attack: South Africa has been impressive with the ball in hand by restricting the hosts in both T20 Internationals. Dale Steyn taking 5/35 from his eight overs as well as former Pakistani, Imran Tahir took 4/38 from his eight overs in the series. Wayne Parnell took 3/25 from his four overs in the 2^nd T20I.

· Choking?: Pakistan have been given the infamous ‘choking’ tag after the series. After being ruffled for 98/9 in the first T20 with only four batsmen hitting the double figure mark. Pakistan cruised in the second T20 with 101-3 in the 14^th over but lost quick wickets in succession as the South African bowling attack peppered the hosts.

“Not finishing games very well. When we needed to play normal cricket, we didn’t handle the pressure. Credit goes to South Africa for bowling in the right areas. Every time we thought we were there, we couldn’t finish it.” – skipper Mohammad Hafeez said after the series loss.

South Africa now replaces Pakistan in the ICC T20 rankings and is placed at number three behind India and Sri Lanka. Pakistan is currently placed behind South Africa at fourth.

Pakistan now travel to South Africa for another two-match T20 series and three ODI’s (One Day Internationals). The first T20 starts on Wednesday, 20^th of November in Bidvest Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg.