South Africa vs Pakistan
The first two tests have been a fairly brutal spectacle as South Africa stormed into an unassailable lead over Pakistan… and look likely to complete a rout.
The 3rd Test: South Africa vs Pakistan, at the Wanderers Stadium on Friday, is a chance for the Proteas to complete a 3-0 whitewash. Meanwhile, it is an opportunity for Pakistan to regain some pride, if not redemption. So one-sided have the first two tests been that South Africa vs Pakistan odds point to just one result.
The home side is full of talent and confidence, with a frightening bowling attack and explosive batting prowess. But it’s eleven versus eleven, and while the five-day game provides the strictest examination of all, the tourists do have one or two lethal weapons and will be prepared for battle.
Talking Points
Du Plessis is in the stands
The one factor in Pakistan’s favour is that South Africa captain Faf du Plessis will be sidelined by a one-match ban; that is the big South Africa vs Pakistan news which will be buzzing around the tourists’ fans.
Exciting young batsman Zubayr Hamza could be handed his debut in replacement of du Plessis who is serving his suspension following the Proteas slow over-rate in the second test victory. The skipper will be a big loss, having posted a commanding century to put his team in control in Cape Town to carry on the form which saw him decimate Australia in November.
Opener Dean Elgar will captain the side, and any hopes Pakistan have of an easier ride may be somewhat dampened if Elgar’s opening partner is declared fit to play. Aiden Markram is a slight doubt, nursing a thigh strain and will take a late fitness test, but selectors will be hoping he will be okay, with Du Plessis missing and Hashim Amla strangely out of form. Markram hit an impressive quick-fire 78 in Cape Town including 14 fours and a six, before being bowled by one that kept very low.
The Proteas have a formidable pace attack which is bang in form. Fast bowler Duanne Olivier took 11 wickets in the first test and followed that up with four for 48 as South Africa’s attack ripped through the Pakistan batting line-up. Olivier’s hostile short-pitched bowling really gave the Pakistan batsmen the hurry up. alongside the rapid world number one Kagiso Rabada and the relentless pace of Dale Steyn, he is part of a fearsome team.
Pakistan on the back foot
It’s difficult to make a case for the tourists coming back to snatch a win, though Mohammad Abbas returned from a shoulder injury in the second test to bolster up the Pakistan pace attack led by Mo Amir, who remains Pakistan’s most potent bowler. Shaheen Afridi has picked up nine as the top wicket-taker, but the Proteas still reached 431 in the first innings in Cape Town which blew the tourists out of the water.
And Pakistan have real trouble in their batting line-up. They failed to get past 200 in the first test, posting scores of 181 and 190 as South Africa strolled to a six-wicket win.
Shan Masood has looked the best with the bat, notching two fifties while all else struggled, though captain Sarfraz Ahmed has offered some resistance, too.
But South Africa’s pace attack looks too good for the rest.
History
South Africa are on a winning streak of three matches, while Pakistan lost their last three. The hosts have won three of the last four in the head-to-heads.
But the tourists haven’t been in the doldrums for long, beating New Zealand by two tests to one on home soil at the end of last year.
Next up it’s the ODIs, a format in which South Africa’s all-action batting and bowling stars may do even more damage, so this is a game where the tourists need to show some fight.
Betting Tip
 |
 |
South Africa vs Pakistan | South Africa 1×2 @1.30 |
| January 11, 16:00 (GMT+8) |
There are only two places separating South Africa and Pakistan in the ICC Test Rankings but there is a huge gulf in class, particularly with the Proteas on home soil.
Du Plessis will be a miss, but there is plenty more batting talent in the hosts’ ranks to post a winning total. And that may not be too high if Pakistan’s batters continue to be rolled over with such ease by Olivier, Rabada and Steyn.
Pakistan are out there in the SBOBET odds at 4.90 or there is an option of 3.94 on the tourists to win, Draw no Bet. But I’m playing it safe!
A SHORT EXPLANATION ON HOW OUR ( ) BETS ARE WORTH: |
|||
|---|---|---|---|
| = €20 (Highly confident) |
 = €10 (CONFIDENT) |
= €5 (SOMEWHAT CONFIDENT) |
|
Disclaimer: Odds are correct at time of publish.
●●●
CHECK OUT OUR BLOG FOR MORE CRICKET STORIES & ODDS
Stay updated with everything sports and betting.
Follow us on social Facebook, Twitter, Instagram and YouTube.
