SA vs PAK 2nd T20I Dream11 Fantasy Tips: 5 Top Picks For Grand League Contests

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan will face South Africa tonight [Source: AP]Pakistan will face South Africa tonight [Source: AP]

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Tonight, South Africa will take on Pakistan in the second T20 International of the ongoing three-match series. The high-octane encounter will be played at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

South Africa had a dream start to the series, defeating Pakistan by eleven runs in the first T20I. Despite suffering a top-order collapse, the Proteas powered themselves to a formidable total, thanks to David Miller's blistering knock. In response, Pakistan fell flat against George Linde's wily spin bowling, with the hosts securing a narrow win to go one-nil up in the series. 

So, as Pakistan gear up for the must-win contest, let's see which players could be the top five picks for dream11 grand league contests. But before proceeding, we must analyse SuperSport Park's playing conditions. 

SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report

The SuperSport Park in Centurion is known for its batting-friendly conditions. The average scoring rate in men's T20Is at this venue has been a whopping 9.55, suggesting the track's conduciveness to stroke play. Furthermore, in the last six T20Is, batting sides have breached the 200-run mark eight times. 

So, from fantasy game's perspective, you can rely on stroke-players to make the most of the conditions. There could be a hint of seam movement early on, but overall, it will likely be a batting-friendly pitch tonight. From the bowlers' perspective, fast bowlers who can deceive the batters with change of pace and cutters might be crucial. Spinners generally don't play a huge role in Centurion. 

5 Top Picks For SA vs PAK Dream11 Grand League Contests

Heinrich Klaasen 

  • The swashbuckling batter has definitely been struggling with form in T20Is of late. However, he continues to be South Africa's most potent weapon in the middle overs, courtesy of his aggressive stroke play. 
  • The right-handed batter has amassed 703 T20 runs in Centurion at an average of 35.15 and a blistering strike rate of 163.10. So, considering he has struck the most T20I runs at this venue and will be one of the most-picked players, it will be a huge gamble to drop him from your dream11 team. 

Mohammad Rizwan

  • Pakistan's T20I captain Mohammad Rizwan has been one of the most consistent performers for his team. Although he often gets scrutinised for his strike rate, Rizwan scores runs consistently and can help you earn crucial fantasy points. 
  • He struck 74 runs in Durban and given that he will also keep the wickets, you can't afford to drop Rizwan from your team. 

David Miller

  • The legendary finisher came out to bat at number four in the last game, making an instant impact with a glorious 40-ball 82. 
  • Apart from his heroics in the first T20I, Miller's game awareness and destructive batting make him an automatic choice in the dream11 team.

Abbas Afridi

  • Renowned for his extraordinary bowling skills in middle and death overs, Abbas Afridi can be Pakistan's go-to bowler in Centurion. 
  • Besides hitting the deck, Abbas can deceive the South African batters with his cutters and slow balls. His variations will be key to the visitors' success at this venue. 

Ottniel Baartman

  • From South Africa's perspective, Ottniel Baartman could be handy in Centurion, as he has a bag full of tricks up his sleeves. 
  • Baartman is a genuine wicket-taker with both new and an old ball and can help you earn crucial fantasy points with his bowling. 

P.S: Apart from these players, impactful cricketers likes of Matthew Breetzke, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi and Haris Rauf could be good dream11 picks for grand league contests.