ISLAMABAD - Former captain and coach Intikhab Alam has felt that Pakistan is a well-balanced team and capable of doing well against a strong opponent like South Africa. 
"I feel this team has a good chance of beating South Africa," he said in an interview. Pakistan will play two Tests, five one-day and two Twenty20 internationals against the Proteas. The series starts in Abu Dhabi on October 14, with the second Test in Dubai from October 23.
Ever since the Australian took charge of the team in 2012 just after Pakistan whitewashed England in the UAE under Mohsin Khan, Pakistan have yet to win a Test series, their most recent result being a disappointing 1-1 draw with minnows Zimbabwe.
"We play well against big teams. Yes, the batting is bit of a worry, but I'm sure they will click. The bowling has always been our plus and nothing to be bothered about on that front. I'm sure the boys will be ready for the challenge," Alam said.
To a question, he backed coach Dav Whatmore and expressed the hope that Pakistan would perform well against the South Africans. "Whenever a team is not doing well, everyone blames the coach," said Alam, who was the coach of the national side from 2008 to 2010."Coaching is a very difficult and thankless job. If the results are going your way then you are the best and if not, then you are not good enough to be here." “Whatmore is very experienced and he will do what is right and good for the team. The board has shown confidence in him and the boys should also. All these things will go if Pakistan start winning."