Saim Ayub could be one of the dream11 top picks [Source: AP]
This evening, Pakistan will lock horns with South Africa in the second One-Day International of the ongoing three-match series. Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan had an outstanding start to the series, winning the first ODI by three wickets.
Batting first, South Africa huffed and puffed to a slightly under-par 239-run total, which the visitors chased successfully, riding on extraordinary performances from Saim Ayub and Agha Salman.
So, considering it's a three-match series, the second ODI is a must-win affair for the Proteas. As the home side gears up for a cracking battle, let's see who could be the top fantasy picks for Dream11 Grand League contests. But before that, we must analyse the playing conditions at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town.
Newlands Stadium Cape Town Pitch Report
The surface at Newlands Stadium in Cape Town will offer good batting conditions in the first half. The hot and humid conditions at the venue might help the spinners in the middle overs. Also, there could be a hint of seam movement for the fast bowlers in the evening under the lights. Considering teams batting first have won 29 out of 44 men's ODIs, the toss-winner might opt to bat first.
3 Top Picks For SA vs PAK 2nd ODI Dream11 Grand League Contests
Saim Ayub
- The stylish left-handed batter is in sublime form of late. After playing a blistering 98-run knock in the second T20I, Saim Ayub showcased his brilliance in the first ODI, leading Pakistan to a commanding win with his scintillating century.
- He loves playing on true batting decks and can capitalise on Cape Town's pace and bounce to score some impactful runs for the visitors.
Rassie van der Dussen
- South Africa's experienced batter Rassie van der Dussen recorded a rare failure in the first ODI, being dismissed for eight runs off Agha Salman's bowling.
- However, he is a prolific One-Day cricketer and has enjoyed stellar success at this venue, averaging 168 in four outings. Also, considering that he plays for MI Cape Town in the SA20, Rassie could be a key player for South Africa in this game.
Kagiso Rabada
- South Africa's premier fast bowler Kagiso Rabada looked sharp with the ball in the first ODI, scalping two crucial wickets for 48 runs in 10 overs.
- Rabada has a magnificent record at Newlands, having taken 12 wickets in six ODIs. So he can be South Africa's go-to bowler, especially if the hosts bowl first.
P.S: Apart from these players, the eyes will be on Agha Salman (all-round impact), Tristan Stubbs (Exceptional form in 2024), Heinrich Klaasen (struck 86 runs in last game) and Shaheen Afridi from the dream11 fantasy game's perspective.