South Africa vs Pakistan, 1st T20I: Dream11 Prediction, Playing XI Updates and Fantasy Cricket Tips - February 1, 2019

After an eventful ODI series, the action now comes in the form of three highly anticipated T20 Internationals between the top ranked team in the world, Pakistan, and hosts South Africa.

With South Africa already winning the Test and ODI series, Pakistan have one last chance to get over the hosts in a format in which they feel the most comfortable.

With several players being rested by the South Africans, the onus falls on the youngsters to come up with the goods against a formidable Pakistan team. With the match set to be held in Cape Town itself, another competitive match is on the cards between the two highly talented sides.

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Squads to choose from

Pakistan:

Sarfaraz Ahmed, Asif Ali, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Hasan Ali, Hussain Talat, Imad Wasim, Mohammad Amir, Mohammad Hafeez, Sahibzada Farhan, Shadab Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Shoaib Malik, Usman Shinwari.

South Africa:

Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Gihahn Cloete, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Chris Morris, Lutho Sipalma, Junior Dala, Beuran Hendricks and Tabraiz Shamsi.

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Playing XI Updates

Pakistan:

With Sarafraz Ahmed's suspension, Shoaib Malik should captain the side with Asif Ali possibly returning after a decent stint in the Super League, where he scored 150 runs with a top score of 80.

Fakhar Zaman and Babar Azam will be key for the tourists, who are currently unbeaten in their last nine games in this format. Mohammad Amir's return to the side should see him play alongside Usman Khan and Hasan Ali.

Possible XI: Zaman, Hafeez, Azam, Malik(C), Asif Ali, Rizwan (WK), Shadab, Wasim, Hasan, Usman and Aamir.

South Africa:

With Kagiso Rabada and Imran Tahir given a break, opportunities present themselves for the likes of Chris Morris and Tabraiz Shamsi, who are currently in the reckoning for World Cup spots in the squad.

Reeza Hendricks should open the batting alongside Quinton de Kock, with Rassie van der Dussen and Faf in the middle order. It will be a toss-up between Klaasen and Mulder for the number six spot, although Klaasen's record for South Africa should help him edge it.

Possible XI: de Kock(WK), Reeza, Faf(C), Dussen, Miller, Klaasen, Phehlukwayo, Morris, Shamsi, Dala and Beuran Hendricks.

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Fantasy Tips and Suggestions

Wicket-keeper: Quinton de Kock has been at his best since the MSL 2018 and has sprung back to form with an imperative fifty in the fifth ODI. Expect some fireworks from the keeper at a ground where he has many good memories.

Batsmen: Two of Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis and Rassie van der Dussen would suffice, with all of them in very good form. Dussen has been in supreme form after top scoring in the MSL and the recently concluded ODI series for South Africa.

Along with them, Babar Azam and Fakhar Zaman would be more than handy options.

All-rounders: Shadab Khan and Chris Morris are the ideal choices to go with due to their skill set and ability to pick up wickets on a consistent basis. Andile Phehlukwayo could also slot in for Morris with the big South African in fine form as well.

Imad Wasim is also a useful option if his recent blitzkrieg in the fifth ODI were to be of any value.

Bowlers: Usman Khan Shinwari and Hasan Ali have been in great form in the T20 format and are viable options to go for as well.

Tabraiz Shamsi's leg-spin could also be more than useful on a competitive pitch along with the death bowling prowess of Beuran Hendricks.

Captain: Babar Azam averages a whopping 54.29 in this format and is currently the highest ranked T20I batsman in the world.

Azam, along with Quinton de Kock, are ideal options to enter a contest as your captain. Other options also include Reeza Hendricks and Fakhar Zaman.

Fantasy Suggestion #1: Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Shadab Khan, Chris Morris, Beuran Hendricks, Tabraiz Shamsi, Usman Khan Shinwari and Hasan Ali. Captain: Quinton de Kock.

Fantasy Suggestion #2: Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Faf du Plessis, Shoaib Malik, Babar Azam, Imad Wasim, Chris Morris, Shadab Khan, Hasan Ali, Beuran Hendricks and Tabraiz Shamsi. Captain: Babar Azam.