Pakistan's Biggest Threat Revealed For 1st T20I; How Can Visitors Get Rid Of South Africa Giant?

Heinrich Klaasen in action [Source: @ICC/X]

This evening, Pakistan will face South Africa in the first T20I of the upcoming three-match series. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, the Men in Green will take on the Proteas in three T20Is followed by as many ODIs. 

Despite missing several senior players, Pakistan recently secured a 2-1 series victory over Zimbabwe in a three-match away series. However, their T20I form has been nothing short of underwhelming, as they have managed only nine victories in 25 outings in the shortest format this year. 

So, considering they are undergoing a transition in T20Is, the South Africa tour offers the tourists a golden opportunity to stun the homeboys and regain their self-confidence. However, the Proteas have a formidable squad and can give the visitors a run for their money. 

Although South Africa have several outright match-winners in their lineup, the eyes will be on Heinrich Klaasen, who could be the biggest threat to Pakistan due to several reasons, as mentioned below. 

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Why Will Klaasen Be The Biggest Threat To Pakistan?

Heinrich Klaasen's Recent T20 Stats

• Hailed for his flamboyant stroke-play, Heinrich Klaasen has been outstanding in T20s of late. The swashbuckling keeper-batter has amassed 1281 runs at a blistering strike rate of 165.07 in T20 cricket this year. 
• These numbers signify his stellar recent form, which is why he could be a match-winner for South Africa in the first T20I vs Pakistan. 

Heinrich Klaasen's Ability To Maul Spin Bowling

• Heinrich Klaasen's astounding success in the middle overs can be attributed to his incredible spin-hitting prowess. 
• Statistically, Klaasen has struck 1708 runs at a superb average of 40.67 and a magnificent strike rate of 172 against all types of spin bowling combined. 
• Therefore, given that Pakistan have an inexperienced spin bowling line-up, comprising Sufyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed and Agha Salman, Klaasen is expected to dominate their spinners in the first T20I in Durban. 

Heinrich Klaasen: South Africa's Linchpin In Last Two Phases Of The Game

• Heinrich Klaasen is a dangerous customer with the bat, particularly in the last two phases of a T20 game. 
• The right-handed batter has amassed 3703 runs in the middle and slog overs combined, at an average of 34.28 and a strike rate of 166.35. These insane numbers indicate his hard-hitting prowess, which has led to his success in the shortest format. 

How Can Pakistan Dismiss Heinrich Klaasen In 1st T20I?

• Although Heinrich Klaasen is a threat to the Pakistani side, he has certain flaws that the visitors can exploit. Klaasen has been slightly vulnerable to well-targeted short deliveries in T20I matches of late. He has enormous power and a strong back-foot game, so testing him with the change of pace could backfire on Pakistan. 
• In such a scenario, they must save at least 2-3 overs of Haris Rauf for him and ask the speedster to target his body with his high-pace hard-length bowling. The visitors should keep a leg-side-heavy field for him and challenge him to play the hook shot. This method has worked wonders for several teams, and it might pay rich dividends to Pakistan as well. 

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