Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg Pitch Report For SA vs PAK 3rd T20I

Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg [Source: @saurabh_shelar_/X]

This evening, Pakistan will cross swords against South Africa in the final T20I of the ongoing three-match away series. The much-awaited clash will be played at the iconic Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg. 

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan have already lost the series, having incurred two consecutive defeats. So, this match gives them a golden opportunity to secure a win and conclude the T20I leg on a high note. 

On the other hand, South Africa have been exceptional in this series, securing two successive victories. Despite having an off day with the ball, the Proteas showcased their power-hitting skills to chase down a mammoth total of 207 runs without breaking a sweat. So, the hosts are pretty much confident and could hand Pakistan a humiliating whitewash. 

Ahead of the highly-anticipated game, let's see how the surface at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg will behave throughout the contest. 

Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg Stats And Records In T20Is

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Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg Pitch Report

The surface at Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg will likely be slightly drier due to the city's current humid weather. So, don't expect the fast bowlers to generate substantial seam movement with the new ball. 

The dryness of the surface might lead to a bit of inconsistent bounce (particularly from the hard-length region), which the hit-the-deck pacers will try to exploit throughout the game. However, as far as the track's pace is concerned, the batters can trust the ball to come nicely onto the bat, especially in the first half. Therefore, the batters must adjust to the pitch's bounce in order to get the full value of their shots. 

It's worth mentioning that the Wanderers Stadium is situated 6000 feet above sea level. As a result, the air is thinner here, and the ball travels farther at a rapid pace. So, it will be beneficial for the batters if they go aerial and try to capitalise on the playing conditions. 

The average scoring rate in men's T20Is at this venue has been 8.74. Considering the fact that teams setting the target have won seven of the last ten men's T20Is here, the toss-winner will likely bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At Wanderers Stadium Johannesburg

Reeza Hendricks

• The experienced opening batter slammed a fabulous century in the second T20I in Centurion. Reeza Hendricks plays his Joburg Super Kings' home SA20 matches at this venue and has struck 255 T20I runs in six innings at an average of 42.50 and a strike rate of 135.63. 
• Therefore, considering his form and record at the venue, we reckon he could be a key player for South Africa in this game. 

Saim Ayub

• Pakistan's decision to utilise Saim Ayub's power-hitting skills paid rich dividends to the visitors, as the swashbuckling batter slammed a fantastic 98*-run knock. 
• He goes the aerial route and can exploit Johannesburg's playing conditions to put an impactful performance in this game. 

Kwena Maphaka

• The promising South African pacer has looked sharp with the ball in this series. Although he went wicketless in the second T20I, Maphaka's searing pace and ability to hit the deck might cause discomfort for the Pakistani batters in Johannesburg. 

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