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Naseem Shah rested, Shaheen Afridi returns as Pakistan set to bowl in series decider

Anurag Dasgupta

PAK vs SA Toss [Source: AFP Photo] PAK vs SA Toss [Source: AFP Photo]

Pakistan avenged their defeat in the first T20I by beating a strong South African side in the second game to level the series, 1:1. The Men in Green made light work of the Proteas' total and won the match convincingly as the series finale takes place on Saturday. The hosts will have the advantage as the team is riding high on confidence after a resounding win in second game.

Pakistan rested Shaheen Afridi for the second T20I and replaced him with Salman Mirza as the pacer to deliver the goods, as he picked 3 wickets for 14 runs and restricted the visitors to just 110. In reply, Saim Ayub finally got some form back as he scored a quick-fire 71 off 38 balls and helped Pakistan secure a one-sided win.

Now, the caravan moves towards the series decider and ahead of the game, we look at what transpired at the toss.

Who won the toss today in PAK Vs SA 3rd T20I?

Pakistan won the toss and once again on a sporting wicket, Salman Ali Agha opts to bowl first as he aims to chase down the total set by the Proteas. Salman Ali Agha has made two changes in the playing XI. Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed are resting, while Shaheen Afridi, and Usman Tariq are playing.

PAK Vs SA Playing XIs

Pakistan Playing XI : Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Salman Mirza, Usman Tariq

South Africa Playing XI : Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Lizaad Williams, Andile Simelane, Ottneil Baartman

Who holds the advantage?

Pakistan chased down the total in the second T20I to level the series, and they hold the advantage once again. The ball will grip in the first innings and that would favour the Pakistan spinners. Dew might come into action in the second innings and that might be helpful for the Pakistan batters, and hence, they hold a slight advantage after the toss.