When South Africa play in pink at the Wanderers, it’s almost always a spectacular ODI game. Moreover, it’s always a victory for the hosts and today, they return for their annual Pink ODI, having already raised over 5 million Rand in cancer awareness money over the years. South Africa plays for a purpose on this day, and they’ve proven to be unstoppable on this day each year.
Every country has tried to stop them and last year, India came ever so close to ending their pink dominance, but alas, Heinrich Klaasen and Andile Phehlukwayo ensured they snatched a victory. Now however, Klaasen isn’t a part of the side as Quinton de Kock made a return and he becomes your obvious wicket-keeper pick for your Dream11 or other fantasy cricket teams.
Top order
Now the selection of the men at the top is crucial. After two match-winning innings in the first 2 ODIs, Rassie van der Dussen didn’t even get a chance to bat in the 3rd ODI, so he’s getting a downgrade in my fantasy team. The bad form for Hashim Amla may continue while it’s important to choose one between Faf du Plessis and Reeza Hendricks, both of who make up the early middle order.
As for Pakistan, Imam ul Haq looks in fine touch, while the more explosive Fakhar Zaman hasn’t been able to push off his starts into bigger scores. After Imam’s century in the last game, thousands of teams will be selecting him, so here’s your chance to pick Zaman instead, and probably even promote him to your captain or vice captain. Remember, he’s way due a score at the moment.
Babar Azam
49, 12 and 69 are Babar Azam’s scores in the three ODIs on this tour so far. Without much of a fuss, he makes sure he scores a handful of runs and his consistency means a spot in your fantasy eleven is ensured. However, I’d pick him as a normal player and not as captain/vice-captain.
Changes:
Pakistan have looked to swap between Faheem Ashraf and Imad Wasim. Wasim did well in the 3rd ODI with a handy 40-odd score, so he should be able to keep his place. For South Africa, Imran Tahir may come in place of Shamsi as the former as a good record at this ground. Similarly, Beuran Hendricks may keep his place as this is his home ground.
My Fantasy Eleven:
Quinton de Kock (c)(wk), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman (vc), Mohammad Hafeez, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, Andile Phehlukwayo, Imran Tahir, Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Afridi, Shadab Khan.
For more updates on Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, keep reading ReadScoops.com.
