Well, apologies for those who read my fantasy preview of the 2nd ODI game. While it did decently ranking wise, it took a major blow as both of Imran Tahir and Imad Wasim were not a part of the line-up. Also the move of picking Heirinch Klaasen over Sarfraz Ahmed in the 2nd ODI didn’t work as Klaasen bagged a golden duck. However, I’ll change my wicket-keeper pick for the 3rd ODI to Quinton de Kock, who returns to the squad along with Dale Steyn.
Batsmen – Crucial
Most fantasy cricket punters would invariably go in for top order batsmen, but what we’ve noticed in these two teams so far is that a collapse is possible at any time, which makes the middle order batsmen as crucial as the top order ones. I picked Fakhar Zaman as my captain in the last game, and he could be a captain choice again after his confident start in the last game. Hopefully he can go on for a bigger score this time.
Rassie van der Dussen. Let’s not miss out on this guy, please. Two ODIs in his international career so far, and match-winning knocks in both. He missed a century in both and I won’t be surprised if this form continues. However, there will be an increase in the number of people selecting him, so while you want him in your team, avoid making him your captain.
South African bowlers
Along with the return of Steyn, Beuran Hendricks is also available for selection as South Africa want to try out their best combinations before the World Cup begins. Andile Phehlukwayo was the match-winning player who returned with career-best figures and a career-best score too. However, your match-winner could be dropping him as Hendricks and Steyn look to make their way into the team. Also be wary about picking Rabada, Olivier and Paterson.
Shadab Khan
If you watched the last game, you would know why this guy deserves a separate heading. He was bowling with supreme confidence and was making the ball do magic, beating the batsmen on several occasions. Pick Shadab Khan as well as the other youngster Shaheen Afridi, as he picked 3 early wickets and looked like the only threatening pacer.
My Fantasy Eleven:
Quinton de Kock (c)(wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, Mohammad Hafeez, Imad Wasim, Beuran Hendricks, Dale Steyn, Shadab Khan (vc), Shaheen Afridi.
For more updates on Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, keep reading ReadScoops.com.
