The Proteas face a difficult challenge when they take on the No 1 T20 side in the world at Newlands on Friday, writes KHALID MOHIDIN. 

The Proteas sealed a 3-2 series win against Pakistan at Newlands on Wednesday during which they showed their class and finishing ability with a comfortable seven-wicket win.

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The ODI series should have prepared the Proteas for the challenge they are going to face, with Pakistan’s T20 personnel being very similar to their ODI outfit.

The Proteas, however, usually have a fresher look in T20Is and it has become the platform where new talent is tested. We can expect the players who did not get an opportunity in the ODIs to have a chance to show their ability in a last push to be in contention for the World Cup squad.

This was confirmed by Proteas coach Ottis Gibson in his post-match press conference on Wednesday.

Pakistan is a daunting opponent. They have won their last 11 series and are unbeaten in their last nine T20Is. This is a massive contrast to the Proteas, who have won only five series out of the last 11.

Players to Watch:

Heinrich Klaasen was dropped from the ODI squad for Rassie van der Dussen and the latter has stormed into the scene, scoring three half-centuries in his debut series to help the Proteas clinch a 3-2 series. Klaasen showed his ability in the ODI format, but has struggled to push on and to make that No 6 spot his own. The T20Is will give the wicketkeeper-batsman another opportunity to prove himself and stake his claim for World Cup selection.

Asif Ali returns to what is now his home ground after his successful stint for the Cape Town Blitz in the inaugural Mzansi Super League. He showed his ability in the match against the Tshwane Spartans at Newlands when he smashed a remarkable 80 off only 33 deliveries, including seven fours and five sixes. He will be familiar with the ground and especially the T20 format.

Probable XIs

Proteas
1) Reeza Hendricks
2) Gihahn Cloete
3) Rassie van der Dussen
4) Faf du Plessis
5) David Miller
6) Heinrich Klaasen
7) Wiaan Mulder
8) Chris Morris
9) Junior Dala
10) Beuran Hendricks/Lutho Sipamla
11) Tabraiz Shamsi 

Pakistan
1) Fakhar Zaman
2) Babar Azam
3) Mohammad Hafeez
4) Shoaib Malik
5) Asif Ali
6) Mohammad Rizwan
7) Faheem Ashraf
8) Imad Wasim
9) Shadab Khan
10) Mohammad Amir
11) Usman Shinwari/Shaheen Afridi

Photo: Getty Images