Tag: Pakistan vs South Africa

Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam is set to surpass former captain Shahid Afridi in the list of batters with the most sixes during the second T20I against South Africa, which is scheduled to be played today in Centurion.

Babar has smashed 72 sixes in T20I cricket so far and is ranked fifth on the list of Pakistani batters with the most sixes in the format. He is just one shy of Afridi, who struck 73 sixes during his career.

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Most sixes for Pakistan in T20I cricket

Mohammad Rizwan — 95 sixes
Fakhar Zaman — 76 sixes
Mohammad Hafeez — 76 sixes
Shahid Afridi — 73 sixes
Babar Azam — 72 sixes

It’s worth noting that Pakistan will be looking to bounce back in the second T20I after suffering a narrow 11-run defeat in the series opener. Meanwhile, the final T20I is scheduled to be played in Johannesburg tomorrow.

After wrapping up the T20I series, Pakistan and South Africa will play a three-match ODI series.

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The opening ODI will take place on December 17 in Paarl, while the second and third ODIs will be played in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Pakistan and South Africa will then engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: Pakistan make one change to Playing XI for second T20I against South Africa

CENTURION: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made one change to their Playing XI for the second T20I of the three-match series against South Africa, scheduled to be played here today.

Pace bowler Jahandad Khan has been included in the line-up in place of spinner Sufiyan Muqeem owing to the conditions at the SuperSport Park.

The rest of the line-up remains the same with Saim Ayub, Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan making the top order. They will be followed by Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Irfan Khan in the batting order.

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Jahandad will join the pace attack, which features Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf, while Abrar Ahmed is the sole spinner in the Playing XI.

It’s worth noting that Pakistan will be looking to bounce back in the second T20I after suffering a narrow 11-run defeat in the series opener. The three-match series will culminate with the final T20I in Johannesburg tomorrow.

After wrapping up the T20I series, Pakistan and South Africa will play a three-match ODI series.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

The opening ODI will take place on December 17 in Paarl, while the second and third ODIs will be played in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Pakistan and South Africa will then engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Jahandad Khan, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

READ: Imad Wasim announces retirement from international cricket

South Africa suffered a major setback ahead of the second T20I against Pakistan as fast bowler Anrich Nortje has been ruled out of the ongoing series as well as the upcoming ODI series.

The 31-year-old pacer did not participate in the first T20I, which South Africa won by 11 runs, due to a contusion to his left big toe.

He suffered the injury during a pre-match practice session and later scans confirmed that it was a fracture, sidelining him for the remainder of the series.

Cricket South Africa (CSA) has named uncapped all-rounder Dayyaan Galiem as the Nortje’s replacement for the remaining two T20Is against Pakistan.

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It’s worth noting that the South African cricket camp has recently encountered significant challenges due to fitness concerns surrounding several key players.

Aside from Anrich Nortje, the team is grappling with the absence of fast bowlers Gerald Coetzee, who is dealing with a groin injury, Nandre Burger, facing complications from a stress fracture in his lower back, and Lungi Ngidi, who is sidelined due to a hip issue.

Moreover, all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who sustained a fractured finger during the first Test match against Sri Lanka, has also been ruled out.

The second T20I of the three-match series will be played in Centurion later today, while the series will culminate with the final T20I in Johannesburg tomorrow.

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After wrapping up the T20I series, Pakistan and South Africa will play a three-match ODI series.

The opening ODI will take place on December 17 in Paarl, while the second and third ODIs will be played in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Pakistan and South Africa will then engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

South Africa’s white-ball Squads

T20I: Heinrich Klaasen (c), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Dayyaan Galiem, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, and Rassie van der Dussen.

ODIs: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

READ: Josh Hazlewood returns to Australia squad for third Test against India

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has named Aqib Javed as the interim red-ball head coach of the Pakistan men’s cricket team for the upcoming Test series against South Africa.

The PCB has confirmed the appointment of Aqib as the interim head coach, following the unexpected resignation of red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie.

Gillespie’s decision to step down was reportedly driven by growing differences with the PCB, creating a rift that ultimately led to his departure from the role.

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Earlier today, news broke that Gillespie refused to travel to South Africa, where he was set to oversee a specialized training camp in preparation for an upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa.

Sources familiar with the situation indicated that Gillespie’s decision to abandon the trip, which he was meant to commence yesterday, was influenced by the PCB’s choice not to extend the contract of red-ball assistant coach Tim Nielsen, a move that seemed to displease him significantly.

Although Gillespie cited personal reasons for his refusal to travel, many believe that his discomfort with the PCB is rooted in a series of recent administrative shifts.

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Notably, in October, he was removed from the Test team’s selection panel, with his role reduced to a “match-day strategist,” following Aqib Javed, Aleem Dar and Azhar Ali’s inclusion in the national men’s selection committee.

Aqib Javed, who is currently in South Africa with Pakistan’s white-ball team, will kick off his tenure as red-ball head coach with the two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26. The second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

Pakistan squad for Test series against South Africa

Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha

READ: Jason Gillespie refuses to join Pakistan team on South Africa tour: sources

Pakistan red-ball coach Jason Gillespie has refused to travel to South Africa where Pakistan is scheduled to play a two-match Test series, ARY News reported, citing sources.

According to sources, the former Australian pacer took the decision after the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) removed Tim Nielsen from his role as assistant coach.

Reports had earlier said that the PCB decided against extending Tim Nielsen’s contract, leading Jason Gillespie to re-evaluate his own position as the Pakistan red-ball coach.

As per sources, Gillespie was taken aback by the PCB’s decision and has now refused to travel to South Africa to join the Pakistan side.

Meanwhile, sources indicated that Jason Gillespie has resigned from the post and the PCB will soon accept his resignation from his role as Pakistan red-ball coach.

According to sources, the PCB is likely to appoint an interim red-ball coach for the upcoming PAK v SA Test series.

It is worth noting here that the Pakistan team is currently on the South Africa tour where the T20I series between the national side and the hosts is underway.

Following the conclusion of the PAK v SA T20I and ODI series, Pakistan and South Africa are set to engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26.

The second PAK v SA Test is scheduled for January 3 in Cape Town.

Meanwhile, South Africa pacer Kagiso Rabada and batter Heinrich Klaasen returned as South Africa announced the squad for the three-match PAK v SA home ODI series.

David Miller, Keshav Maharaj and Tabraiz Shamsi, who last played an ODI almost a year ago, are included in the South Africa squad.

READ: Tim Nielsen removed as Pakistan’s assistant coach

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) recalled key players to their squad on Thursday for the upcoming three-match ODI series against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on December 17.

The opening ODI between Pakistan and South Africa will take place in Paarl, while the second and third ODIs will be played in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada, has made his return to the ODI team, accompanied by explosive batters David Miller and Heinrich Klaasen.

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Rabada last played an ODI during the ICC Men’s World Cup 2023, while Miller and Klaasen haven’t featured in the format since December 2023.

The 18-year-old pacer Kwena Maphaka has also received his maiden call-up to the ODI team following an outstanding performance in the ICC Under-19 World Cup earlier this year, where he was named Player of the Tournament.

Maphaka is currently part of South Africa’s squad for the ongoing T20I series against Pakistan, where he took key wickets of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan in the series opener.

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“We have named our strongest squad available, with each player capable of being a match-winner on their day, and we are extremely excited to see how this group performs together,” South Africa’s white-ball coach, Rob Walter said.

“We are very pleased with this squad. This series will be crucial in fine-tuning our combinations ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy next year, and we are looking forward to the challenge,” he added.

Following the ODI series, Pakistan and South Africa will engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

South Africa ODI Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), Ottneil Baartman, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Andile Phehlukwayo, Kagiso Rabada, Tristan Stubbs, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Rassie van der Dussen

Pakistan ODI Squad: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Hasnain, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufyan Moqim, Tayyab Tahir and Usman Khan (wk)

READ: Rizwan bags multiple unwanted records in first T20I against South Africa

DURBAN: Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan bagged multiple unwanted during the first T20I of the three-game series against South Africa at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

Pakistan suffered a heart-wrenching 11-run defeat as they fell short of their target of 184 runs, despite Rizwan occupying the crease throughout the innings before ultimately falling in the final over.

The wicket-keeper scored a scratchy knock of 74 runs from 62 balls at a strike rate of 119.35 with the help of eight boundaries, including three sixes.

He came in as an opener and had scored 46 runs from 49 balls by the end of the 16th over, with his team needing 60 runs from the last four overs to secure victory.

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He switched gears and targeted the teenage bowler Kwena Maphaka, hitting two sixes in the next over and completing his half-century in 50 balls.

However, he couldn’t take his team across the line, as he was out on the second delivery of the final over.

Rizwan’s strike-rate of 119.35 marked his third-lowest in an innings where he scored over fifty runs. His unbeaten run-a-ball 53 against Canada during this year’s ICC Men’s T20 World Cup remains his slowest fifty-plus innings to date.

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The scratchy innings also ranked as the second slowest 70-run innings by a captain in men’s T20 Internationals, second to New Zealand’s Kane Williamson, who had scored 70 off 60 balls against Pakistan back in 2016.

Furthermore, Rizwan’s 62-ball 74 placed him fourth on the list of the slowest T20I innings by a full-member batter facing 60 or more balls in a chase.

This record closely trails that of his fellow countryman Sarfaraz Ahmed, who managed an unbeaten 76 runs off 64 balls against New Zealand in 2014, but in a victorious effort.

READ: Shaheen Afridi becomes first Pakistan player to achieve THIS feat

Test cricketer Ahmed Shehzad has raised questions over Pakistan batters’ intent after the defeat in the first T20I against South Africa in Durban.

Pakistan, while chasing a target of 184 runs, fell short by 11 runs as they were restricted to 172-8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The visiting side lost Babar Azam (0) early on before Saim Ayub scored a quick 31 off 15 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan held on to one end, playing an anchoring knock of 74 runs from 62 balls, which featured five boundaries and three sixes, before falling in the last over.

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However, he could not find much support from the other end with Tayyab Tahir (18) being the only third batter to cross the double figures.

Following Pakistan’s narrow loss, Ahmed Shehzad took to his official X (formerly Twitter) account and criticised the batting approach while chasing a massive target.

“Close but not good enough. Pakistan cricket team not learning from their past mistakes,” Shehzad posted. “Firstly letting South Africa to 180+ from where they were in the game was unbelievable, and then how we went to chase about this target was bizarre from the beginning.”

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Shehzad credited dot balls and lack of intent as the major reason behind Pakistan’s loss, while also urging senior players to take more responsibility.

“Too many dot balls & lack of intent in the chase cost us what could have been a victory for Pakistan. Seniors should be leading from the front not hiding behind youngsters,” he added.

However, he pointed out that Saim Ayub, Shaheen Afridi and Abrar Ahmed’s performances were the only positives for Pakistan in this game. Shaheen and Abrar took three wickets, while Saim played a quick 31-run knock from 15 balls.

READ: Shaheen Afridi achieves major milestone in first T20I against South Africa

DURBAN: George Linde played a quick-fire 48-run knock, followed by a four-wicket haul to steer South Africa to a thrilling victory in the first T20I against Pakistan here at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

Pakistan, while chasing a target of 184 runs, fell short by 11 runs as they were restricted to 172-8 in their allotted 20 overs.

The visiting side lost Babar Azam (0) early on before Saim Ayub scored a quick 31 off 15 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Pakistan captain Mohammad Rizwan held on to one end, playing an anchoring knock of 74 runs from 62 balls, which featured five boundaries and three sixes, before falling in the last over.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

However, he could not find much support from the other end with Tayyab Tahir (18) being the only third batter to cross the double figures.

For South Africa, George Linde led the attack with his figure of 4-21, while Kwena Maphaka took two wickets. Ottneil Baartman and Andile Simelane also contributed with a wicket each.

Earlier, South Africa opted to bat first but failed to get the desired start as they soon found themselves struggling at 28-3.

David Miller then stitched a one-sided partnership of 43 runs with skipper Heinrich Klaasen (12) before Abbas Afridi broke the budding stand.

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Miller continued his onslaught and smashed eight sixes on his way to a quick-fire 82 off 40 balls, which also featured four boundaries.

Shaheen Afridi removed Miller to leave South Africa reeling at 135-6 before George Linde waged a lone war to carry his team’s total to 183-9 in the allocated 20 overs.

Linde fell off the final ball of the innings after smashing 48 runs from 24 balls with the help of three boundaries and four sixes.

Shaheen and Abrar Ahmed led Pakistan’s bowling attack with three wickets each, while Abbas Afridi bagged two key wickets.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa Playing XI: Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Mathew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (c)(wk), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman

READ: Shaheen Afridi achieves major milestone in first T20I against South Africa

DURBAN: Pakistan pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi has achieved a major T20I milestone during the first of the three-match series against South Africa here at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

Shaheen returned with bowling figures of 3-22 to reach the coveted 100-wicket mark in T20I cricket.

He became the third bowler from Pakistan to reach the landmark after Shadab Khan and Haris Rauf.

Overall, he became the 19th bowler globally and the eighth fast bowler to claim 100 wickets in T20Is.

It’s worth noting that after the first T20I match in Durban today, the action will shift to Centurion for the second T20I, which is scheduled for December 13. The series will culminate with the final T20I in Johannesburg on December 14.

After wrapping up the T20I series, Pakistan and South Africa will play a three-match ODI series.

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The opening ODI will take place on December 17 in Paarl, while the second and third ODIs will be played in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Pakistan and South Africa will then engage in a two-match Test series, which will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa Playing XI: Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Mathew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (c)(wk), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman

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