South Africa's predicted playing XI for third T20I

Openers

Reeza Hendricks

The destructive opener has built a reputation for himself while playing in the T20 domestic league all around the world and can be his team's most exciting player once he gets going. Apart from his lowly six in the previous game, he is perhaps the team's most in-form batsman and in the past couple of series has turned out to be the X-factor for the Proteas.

Quinton de Kock(c)

The skipper leading the side in Far du Plessis' absence seemed to thrive under the pressure as he took the added responsibility in his stride to conjure a stroke-filled half century. Considering how the middle order failed to capitalize, he will have to step up his game to earn his team a win.

Middle-order

Temba Bavuma

Considered largely to be a first-class specialist throughout his career, the 29-year-old had slowly and steadily built a reputation for himself in the game's shortest format as well through consistent performances in the domestic circuit. Rightly offered a chance with the national team hence, he didn't disappoint, aiding the skipper in building the innings with a well-played 49 and will be expected to hence provide stability to the volatile batting order.

Rassie van der Dussen

Having been named de Kock's deputy for the series, van der Dussen was one of the few positives to have emerged from a dismal World Cup. Even though he failed to capitalize on several good starts, his enthralling stroke play certainly got the world talking and he would be looking to put behind his failure in the first game and further improve his average of 30+ in T20Is.

David Miller

It was not that long ago that he was regarded as one of the most influential batsmen in the game's shortest format and even though he has seemed to slow down a bit in recent times, he without a doubt has a whole lot to offer. Having vastly played in the IPL for nearly a decade, the team would be counting on his experience to battle the conditions and add to the start that he got in the previous game.

All-rounders

Dwaine Pretorious

Having disappointed on both the bowling and batting front in the first game played in the series, Pretorious would be hungry to perform with spots in the T20 World Cup squad at stake considering he is yet to do enough to seal his spot in the same. His record in the format is without a doubt impressive and he will need to bring his best to the fore to show what he is capable of.

Andile Phehlukwayo

One of the most promising youngsters in world cricket, the all-rounder enjoyed an excellent World Cup at least when compared to his teammates’ dismal show, leading the ICC to name the emerging player of the Proteas squad. The 23-year-old in the previous game returned decent figures with the ball even though he was handled the crucial role of bowling in the powerplay, while also taking the all-important wicket of Rohit Sharma and would be eager to continue his streak of good performances.

Bjorn Fortuin

While the 24-year-old certainly didn’t have a dream debut as he was dispatched at eight runs per over in his four-over spell, he did manage to get a consolation wicket in Rishabh Pant and the spinning tracks which are typical of the subcontinent are likely to see him keep his place in the team over another debutant, Anrich Nortje. The fact that he is handy with the bat and can help the team boost their strike rate in the final overs will also certainly play a role as he will be hoping to make an impression on the international arena right off the go.

Bowlers

Kagiso Rabada

A little needs to be said about the new spearhead of the Proteas fast bowling attack who forms a part of the world’s nig three along with Jasprit Bumrah and Jofra Archer. Having developed a reputation as one of the most fearsome bowlers in the game, a small dip in his performances recently fuelled by his team’s poor run of form has seen the other two take most of the spotlight and the youngster will be eager to salvage himself by ripping apart what is probably the world’s best batting lineup.

Beuran Hendricks

After a disappointing first game for Anrich Nortje where he failed to have any impact with his bowling, Beuran Hendricks will be hopeful of making a comeback to the team, having performed decently in the limited chances he has got. The 29-year-old made quite a few influential performances for India ‘A’ in the run-up to the series and as long as he keeps his economy in check, his knack for picking wickets can go a long way in helping the team impose themselves on the Men in Blue.

Tabraiz Shamsi

The wrist-spinner has become a mainstay in the team now that veteran Imran Tahir has decided to quit the game and even though he has big boots to fill, the 29-year-old hasn’t shied away from the responsibility and delivered whenever given a chance. In the last match, he kept the batsmen in check with his variations while also picking up the wicket of Shikhar Dhawan and will be looking to emulate his performance in the final game as well to consolidate his place as his team’s goto spinner in crucial situations.