South Africa vs Zimbabwe, 3rd T20I, Match Prediction: Who will win the match?

South Africa, yesterday, thumped Zimbabwe at Senwes Park in Potchefstroom to win the series 2-0. The third match at Willowmoore Park in Benoni is a dead rubber no doubt, but the Proteas now have the opportunity to ensure a double clean sweep against Hamilton Masakadza’s men. The hosts have looked a tad below par at times but have had the last laugh on every other occasion.

The visiting team has looked ominous at various phases and got their opponents by the scruff of their necks. Unfortunately, they let the Proteas off the hook on a number of instances owing to which they haven’t been able to win even one of their last five international matches against South Africa. The visitors would now like to end their campaign on a positive note.

Pitch

The pitch at Willowmoore Park is expected to be decent for batting, but the bowlers are also likely to have their say if they hit the right channels. Moreover, the venue is set to host its maiden T20 International. In the meantime, out of 20 completed ODIs, the team batting second has had the advantage and hence, teams may opt to field first after winning the toss.

Team Combination

South Africa

The Proteas are likely to bench Rassie van der Dussen and bring in Gihahn Cloete. Christiaan Jonker may come in place of David Miller. Lungi Ngidi is likely to make way for Junior Dala. Quinton de Kock, JP Duminy, and Faf du Plessis are the more experienced members of the team. Paterson will partner Dala with Tabraiz Shamsi being the lone spinner in the power-packed lineup.

Predicted XI

Gihahn Cloete, Quinton de Kock (wk), Faf du Plessis (C), Jean-Paul Duminy, Heinrich Klaasen, Christiaan Jonker, Andile Phehlukwayo, Robert Frylinck, Dane Paterson, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

Zimbabwe

Zimbabwe may rope in Tendai Chatara in place of Tendai Chisoro. Skipper Masakadza and Solomon Mire are the opening batsman with Taylor and Musakanda to follow. Sean Williams and Peter Moor are next slotted to come. Elton Chigumbura lends depth to the batting. Mavuta and Williams are the tweakers with Chatara and Christopher Mpofu being the fast bowlers.

Predicted XI

Hamilton Masakadza (C), Solomon Mire, Brendan Taylor (wk), Tarisai Musakanda, Sean Williams, Peter Moor, Elton Chigumbura, Brandon Mavuta, Kyle Jarvis, Tendai Chatara, Chris Mpofu

Probable top performers

Faf du Plessis- South Africa, Hamilton Masakadza- Zimbabwe

The prediction is for South Africa to complete another clean sweep.