SA v Pakistan: 2nd T20I playing XI

Matches between SA and Pakistan just never fail to disappoint, right? Be it test cricket, one day internationals or T20I's, the matches played between the two nations always seem to produce the goods - especially from a neutral fan's point of view :) .

With many, or rather majority of our regulars out of the series either due to the IPL (QDK, Miller, Nortje, Rabada, Ngidi) or due to injury (Temba Bavuma and Rassie van der Dussen), this series has provided the perfect opportunity for players to step up and stake their claim in the national side.

With SA being 1-0 down in the series with still everything to play for in the series, the following is the squad I would go with for the second T20I.

1. Aiden Markram - with QDK out of the series, we really needed our other openers to step up and wow, Aiden looked quite exquisite for his 30 ball 50 yesterday. It is rather unfortunate that Aiden hasn't really performed upto expectation in limited overs cricket, but the performance in the first T20I was great and exactly what we require from him moving forward. Hoping formore of the same in the second game !

2. Janneman Malan - in the very few matches he has played in both white ball formats, he has shown us his skill, talent and composure at the crease. In the first game, he played a few exquisite shots against Shaheen Shah Afridi - if he continues with the same fearlessness and aggressiveness, he is sure to succeed.

3. Wihan Lubbe - after being deceived by a slow delivery from Hasan Ali, Wihan Lubbe's international debut was a short one. I wouldn't drop him though, being a very talented youngster he needs to be given the chance to show us what he's got.

4. Pite Van Biljon - Pite played quite well during the first game - after being 36-2, we needed a partnership to be built, and that is exactly what was done by Pite and stand-in captain Klaasen. I just feel that having Pite in the middle order provides some stability in a very inexperienced line-up.

5. Heinrich Klaasen - after a poor showing in the ODI's, Klaasen was keen on showing us all his class (pun intended :)), which he did indeed do. Striking at 200, he was indeed the main reason why we got to the total of 180+. As a South African fan, one will be hoping he continues with this form throughout the series.

6. Kyle Verreyne - as a rather versatile and technically strong batsman, I could not wrap my head around his exclusion from the first game. In my personal opinion, his inclusion is a MUST! He is capable of playing the anchor role, but he is also very much capable of power-hitting. Also, his fielding would be a bonus.

7. George Linde - I am a huge George Linde fan. With both bat and ball in hand, he is an X-factor player.

8. Andile Phehlukwayo - Andile has received a lot of unneccesary hatred and vile comments over social media, unfairly so. He is extremely skillful with the ball in hand, and also quite handy with the bat.

9. Sisanda Magala - unfortunately, nerves got the better of him on debut! I'd continue to back him, he is extremely skillful, especially whilst bowling in the death overs.

10. Lizaad Williams - he is the real deal!! He had a more than decent debut, he is someone I would back as he will definitely get better and better with experience.

11 To be completely honest, on the one hand, I believe Shamsi should play. But on the other hand, I would like to see Migael Pretorius get a debut. Shamsi has the edge though obviously, also spin often gets the breakthrough, especially with a fast bowling lineup that has barely any international experience under its belt.