Pakistan faces South Africa in the first T20I at Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban, kicking off a three-match series. The visitors enter with momentum after a recent 2-1 series win in Zimbabwe, while South Africa fields a squad missing several key players due to Test commitments.
Mohammad Rizwan leads Pakistan, with star batter Babar Azam returning to bolster the lineup. The team aims to improve their ICC T20I ranking, currently seventh, just behind South Africa’s sixth place.
South Africa, captained by Heinrich Klaasen in Aiden Markram’s absence, welcomes back Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi for the first time since the T20 World Cup 2024. All-rounder George Linde also returns after a three-year hiatus, fresh off an impressive CSA T20 Challenge performance.
The match presents an opportunity for Pakistan to capitalize on South Africa’s reshuffled squad. However, the hosts’ home advantage and the return of experienced players like Nortje and Shamsi could prove challenging.
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Pakistan Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)
Pakistan Playing 11 vs South Africa- 1st T2OI, Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024
Openers: Saim Ayub, Babar Azam
Men in Green will start their innings with Saim Ayub and Babar Azam in the first T20 against South Africa. Ayub, who has done well in recent games, will try to start strong with the skilled Babar.
Their opening stand will be key to giving a good start. With Babar’s steady play and Ayub’s bold hitting, they will aim to use the first overs well and put pressure on South Africa’s bowler.
Middle-order batsmen and allrounders: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & wk), Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Jahandad Khan
visitors middle order and key players for the first T20 against South Africa include Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Tayyab Tahir, and Jahandad Khan.
Rizwan, the leader and keeper, will guide the play and keep things steady. Agha and Irfan Khan bring needed skills, adding depth with the bat and useful overs with the ball. Tahir, known for hard-hitting, and Jahandad Khan, steady and sure, aim to close the middle overs well.
Bowlers: Sufyan Moqim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Abbas Afridi
The bowling group for the first T20 against South Africa has Sufyan Moqim, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Mohammad Abbas Afridi. Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead with his fast left-arm balls, while Haris Rauf’s speed and yorkers in the last overs will be key.
Sufyan Moqim adds spin, making the group strong. Mohammad Abbas Afridi will help with control and take key wickets.