Pakistan all-rounder Mohammad Hafeez is likely to be fit for the second T20 against South Africa after missing the first due to hamstring issues.

Hafeez offers great experience and an all-round ability in the limited overs format and his absence was felt as Pakistan failed to chase down 193 in the first match in Cape Town, losing by six runs.

The second match of the series in Johannesburg on Sunday will be an opportunity for the top-ranked T20 team to set the record straight and also salvage the series.

Hafeez did not feature in the first T20 as the management didn’t want to take a chance. If he is declared fit to play, struggling middle order batsman Asif Ali is likely to make way as all-rounder Husain Talat made a fine 40 in the first game.

MILLER TO LEAD PROTEAS

Meanwhile, South Africa captain Faf du Plessis has been rested for the last two T20s against Pakistan with David Miller named captain in his absence.

The South Africa management stated that apart from giving Du Plessis ample rest in a hectic World Cup year, they also wanted to broaden their ‘leadership resources’.

Linda Zondi, South Africa’s national selection panel convener, said: “Giving David a leadership role is another way that we are broadening our leadership resources within our respective squads. David has a wealth of experience and is a well-respected figure within the Proteas environment. The last two matches will be an opportunity for us to grow potential leaders for the future.”

LIKELY TEAMS

South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Gihahn Cloete (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller (c), Heinrich Klaasen, Wiaan Mulder, Chris Morris, Andile Phehlukwayo, Beuran Hendricks, Junior Dala, Tabraiz Shamsi

Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Shoaib Malik (c), Imad Wasim, Shadab Khan, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Usman Shinwari