PAK vs SA 1st T20I Dream11 Fantasy Tips: 3 Risky Picks For Grand League Contests

Debashis Sarangi

Pakistan will face South Africa tonight [Source: @_FaridKhan/X]Pakistan will face South Africa tonight [Source: @_FaridKhan/X]

This evening, Pakistan will lock horns with South Africa in the first T20 International of the upcoming three-match series. The much-awaited clash will be played at the iconic Kingsmead in Durban. 

After a disastrous group-stage exit from the T20 World Cup in the Caribbean and United States, Pakistan made significant changes to their leadership group, appointing Mohammad Rizwan as their T20I captain. However, the experienced keeper-batter had a torrid start to his captaincy stint, losing the away series against Australia by three-nil. So, this South Africa tour gives the Men in Green a golden opportunity to change their fortunes and get back on the winning track. 

However, it won't be easy for tourists to outclass the in-form Proteas in their backyard. Led by Heinrich Klaasen, South Africa have a number of outright match-winners and are riding high on confidence following their clinical outing in the World Cup. Although they have found a new nemesis in India, the Proteas would be keen to steamroll Pakistan on their home soil. 

As the stage is set for a cracking battle, let's see which players could be risky picks in dream11 grand league contests for the first T20I between these two teams in Durban. Before choosing three risky picks for the contest, we must take Durban's playing conditions into account. 

Kingsmead Stadium Durban Pitch Report

The surface at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban has traditionally favoured the batters. The track's pace and bounce are ideal for stroke play, and the batters can exploit the conditions by getting on top of the bounce. 

Since 2023, the venue has witnessed an average scoring rate of 9.56 in four completed men's T20I matches. Moreover, the average run rate of 8.43 signifies the pitch's batting-friendly nature across 19 T20Is since 2007. 

So, expect the batters to enjoy their time in the middle. From the bowlers' perspective, hitting the hard length will be the key, as anything too short or full will be dispatched into the stands. Batters who can play horizontal bat shots generally succeed at this venue. 

3 Risky Picks For PAK vs SA Dream11 Grand League Contests

Usman Khan

Usman Khan in PSL [Source: @SajSadiqCricket/X]Usman Khan in PSL [Source: @SajSadiqCricket/X]

Why Will Fantasy Players Ignore Usman Khan?

  • Despite being a flamboyant stroke player, Usman Khan hasn't lived up to the hype in T20 Internationals. In 14 T20I innings, Usman has struck only 220 runs at a modest average of 16.92 and a strike rate of 125.  
  • In the recently concluded Zimbabwe series, Usman couldn't convert his starts into significant scores. So, considering his inconsistency and the fact that there are more high-profile names such as Babar, Rizwan, Saim, Miller, Klaasen etc., Usman Khan might be neglected while forming the dream11 team for the grand league contest. 

How Can Usman Khan's Selection Be Beneficial?

  • Although Usman has yet to make his mark in T20Is, he has the ability to capitalise on scoring opportunities after getting set. He has proved his mettle in the PSL, having slammed 747 runs, including three hundreds at a magnificent strike rate of 159.27. 
  • So, if he sees through the initial few overs, he can fetch you some priceless points and keep you ahead of your competitors in the contest. Also, he is a fearless striker of the ball and can help you earn more points through boundaries if he gets going. 

Ryan Rickelton

Why Will Fantasy Players Ignore Ryan Rickelton?

  • Apart from a breakthrough series against Ireland, Rickelton has nothing significant in his CV, scoring 261 runs at an average of 21.75. 
  • Also, given that we have Mohammad Rizwan and Heinrich Klaasen as the possible most-picked cricketers from the wicketkeepers' category, the fantasy players might ignore Rickelton while forming the team. 

How Can Ryan Rickelton's Selection Be Beneficial?

  • The swashbuckling southpaw is a fantastic player off the back foot and can frustrate Pakistan with his all-round stroke play if he gets set. In his only T20I game in Durban, Rickelton smashed a quick-fire 21 at a blistering strike rate of 190.91 and would like to make an impact this time. 

Abbas Afridi

Abbas Afridi in action [Source: @its_Iqbal01/X]Abbas Afridi in action [Source: @its_Iqbal01/X]

Why Will Fantasy Players Ignore Abbas Afridi?

  • Both teams have several reputed names in the bowlers' category. So, as the focus will be on the likes of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf and Anrich Nortje, there's a certain possibility of Abbas Afridi getting ignored by fantasy players.

How Can Abbas Afridi's Selection Be Beneficial?

  • The fast bowler has been very impressive in the T20I format, scalping 27 wickets in 16 outings. His natural length is in accordance with Durban's pitch, and his ability to score handy runs apart from outfoxing the batters with his hard-length bowling and change of pace makes him a valuable pick.