Du Plessis rested, David Miller to lead South Africa in final two T20Is against Pakistan

Cricket South Africa has decided to rest skipper Faf du Plessis for the last two Twenty20 internationals against Pakistan while announcing David Miller as the stand-in captain.

For the first time in his career middle-order batsman David Miller will have the opportunity of leading South Africa after regular captain Faf du Plessis was rested for the last two T20Is against Pakistan.

"Giving David (Miller) a leadership role is another way that we are broadening our leadership resources within our respective squads," said South Africa national selector, Linda Zondi.

"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."

Du Plessis has been in a rich vein of form currently, notching scores of 78, 50 not out, 57 and 40 not out, in his last four international innings. It was his 78-run knock in the 1^st T20I that set-up South Africa’s win.

Resting Du Plessis was not the only change South Africa made for the latter half of the three-match series. Seamers Kagiso Rabada and Dale Steyn have also been rested, while wicket-keeper Quinton de Kock and all-rounder JP Duminy will miss the games due to injury, according to an ICC statement.

While the Proteas are already 1-0 up in the three-match rubber, it will be interesting to see if Pakistan can take advantage of facing a relatively inexperienced hosts in the final two outings.

The second and third T20Is will be played in Johannesburg and Centurion on Sunday and Wednesday, respectively.