Pakistan are gearing up for an exciting multi-format series against South Africa, beginning on December 10. This eagerly anticipated contest will kick off with a three-match T20I series, where Pakistan will look to make a strong impression and potentially pull off an upset against the formidable Proteas side. The Men in Green enter this series with confidence after securing a 2-1 T20I series win over Zimbabwe. However, their morale might have taken a slight dip after losing the final match of that series, highlighting the importance of a strong start against South Africa.
Key players returning for Pakistan
A major boost for Pakistan’s T20I campaign comes with the return of two crucial players: white-ball champion batter Babar Azam and fast bowler Shaheen Afridi. Both players bring immense experience and skill, which will be vital in shaping the team’s performance. Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan, who has consistently demonstrated his leadership and form, will captain the team throughout the series. The presence of these key players provides Pakistan with a balanced combination of batting power and bowling depth.
T20I series schedule
- First T20I: December 10 at Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban
- Second T20I: December 13 at SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Third T20I: December 14 at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
The matches are set to take place in some of South Africa’s most iconic stadiums, offering a backdrop of high energy and enthusiastic crowds. With Rizwan leading the side, Pakistan will be looking to build on their recent performance against Zimbabwe and push for a strong showing in the series opener. The Proteas, known for their strong home advantage and powerful lineup, will provide a formidable challenge, making this series a crucial test for Pakistan’s T20I credentials.
Also READ: Pakistan announces T20I, ODI and Test squads for South Africa tour; no place for Shaheen Afridi in the longest format
Pakistan’s top-choice playing XI for the T20I series against South Africa
1. Saim Ayub – The aggressive opener
Saim Ayub’s fearless strokeplay and ability to find boundaries early make him the perfect candidate to exploit powerplay restrictions. His left-handed batting adds variety to Pakistan’s top order, making the team less predictable. On South African pitches, his adaptability against pace and bounce can set the tone.
2. Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk) – The anchoring opener
As Pakistan’s captain and wicketkeeper, Rizwan combines leadership with consistency. His ability to rotate the strike and guide innings through tough patches makes him invaluable. He complements an aggressive partner like Ayub, providing stability while accelerating when required.
3. Babar Azam – The maestro at No. 3
Babar Azam, one of the world’s premier batters, is the lynchpin of Pakistan’s batting lineup. His ability to play both classical and aggressive cricket ensures adaptability to match situations. On bouncy tracks, his technique and temperament will be crucial against South Africa’s formidable pace attack.
4. Tayyab Tahir – The dynamic stroke-maker
Tayyab Tahir’s aggressive intent in the middle order can dismantle bowling plans. His fearless approach ensures that Pakistan maintains momentum even after early breakthroughs. With the ability to target spinners and pacers alike, he is a critical asset for South Africa’s challenging conditions.
5. Salman Ali Agha – The all-round contributor
A versatile all-rounder, Salman strengthens the batting lineup while providing valuable overs with his off-spin. His calm demeanor allows him to perform under pressure, be it rescuing an innings or breaking partnerships. His dual role adds depth and flexibility to the playing XI.
6. Omair Bin Yousuf – The finisher in the making
Omair Bin Yousuf is an emerging talent known for his calm demeanor and sharp cricketing brain. His versatility allows him to anchor innings when needed or accelerate the scoring in the death overs. With a solid technique and the ability to read situations effectively, Omair is poised to become a key player for Pakistan in pressure-filled moments.
7. Faheem Ashraf – The seam-bowling all-rounder
Faheem brings a perfect blend of power-hitting and wicket-taking abilities. His lower-order batting can accelerate the run rate in the death overs, while his medium-pace bowling offers control and breakthroughs in the middle overs. On South African pitches, his experience can prove vital.
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi – The game-changing all-rounder
Shaheen’s explosive batting adds a fresh dimension to his already world-class bowling. With his ability to hit towering sixes, he can turn games around in the death overs. With the ball, his sharp swing and pinpoint yorkers will be key to dismantling South Africa’s top order.
9. Mohammad Hasnain – The express pacer
Hasnain’s raw pace and ability to generate bounce make him a lethal weapon in South Africa. His knack for picking up wickets in crucial moments can derail the opposition’s plans. As a fielder, his athleticism further enhances his overall value to the team.
10. Haris Rauf – The death bowling specialist
Haris’s mastery in the death overs is unmatched, with his accurate yorkers and deceptive slower balls. His high pace and controlled aggression make him a consistent wicket-taker. Whether breaking partnerships or restricting runs, Rauf is Pakistan’s go-to bowler under pressure.
11. Sufiyan Muqeem – The promising spinner
Sufiyan’s left-arm spin adds variety to Pakistan’s bowling attack, crucial for breaking partnerships in the middle overs. His ability to extract turn and control run flow makes him effective even against aggressive batters. As a young talent, he brings fresh energy and unpredictability.