Tag: Pakistan vs South Africa

DURBAN: South Africa have won the toss and opted to bat first in the first T20I of the three-match series against Pakistan here at Kingsmead on Tuesday.

Pakistan team management has decided to drop white-ball vice-captain Salman Ali Agha from the Playing XI for the series opener at Kingsmead.

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan will form Pakistan’s top order, followed by Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Irfan Khan in the subsequent positions.

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The Green Shirts have opted to field two specialist spinners — Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, along with pacers Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf.

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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DURBAN: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Playing XI for the first T20I of the three-match series against South Africa, scheduled to be played here today.

Pakistan team management has decided to drop white-ball vice-captain Salman Ali Agha from the Playing XI for the series opener at Kingsmead.

Saim Ayub, Babar Azam and skipper Mohammad Rizwan will form Pakistan’s top order, followed by Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir and Muhammad Irfan Khan in the subsequent positions.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

The Green Shirts have opted to field two specialist spinners — Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, along with pacers Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Afridi, and Haris Rauf.

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.

READ: PSL 10 Player Draft schedule revealed in newly-released promo

South Africa Test captain Temba Bavuma stated that his team aims to defeat Pakistan in the upcoming series to secure a spot in the final of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC).

Bavuma’s team has emerged as formidable contenders for the WTC final, currently perched at the summit of the points table after their clean sweep victory over Sri Lanka in a recent two-match Test series.

With two crucial Tests still to be played on home turf against Pakistan, securing victories in these matches will further cement their position in the race for the final.

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“I believe we are performing well as a team, currently ranked number one in the WTC table. The future is uncertain, but we will take the time to celebrate today,” Temba Bavuma stated.

“In a few weeks, we face Pakistan, and we must maintain our focus and continue our journey.”

Bavuma also addressed his return to action after being on the sidelines due to an injury.

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“It feels great to be back; it was frustrating to watch from the sidelines. I was eager to return and seize the opportunity,” he added.

It’s worth noting that the two-match Test series between Pakistan and South Africa will kick off in Centurion on December 26, meanwhile, the second Test will start from January 3 in Cape Town.

READ: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi eye milestones in first T20I against South Africa

Pakistan white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan has explained why explosive opening batter Fakhar Zaman was excluded from the national squad for the tour of South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Fakhar Zaman was once again ignored after being left out of the central contracts as well as the recent tours of Australia and Zimbabwe.

Mohammad Rizwan, in a video released by the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB), asserted that there was no ‘personal bias’ whatsoever behind Fakhar’s exclusion from the team.

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“I think the whole of Pakistan knows Fakhar Zaman, and there’s nothing personal about him that makes anyone feel like he’s being treated unfairly,” said Rizwan.

“From the conversations we’ve had among ourselves, everyone is hopeful about him because he is something different for Pakistan – he’s a character and a game-changer.”

The captain of the white-ball team further revealed that Fakhar is currently unwell and experiencing symptoms reminiscent of a viral fever.

Due to his condition, it was deemed best for him to remain in Pakistan. While he is unable to join the team, he will continue to participate in the ongoing Champions T20 Cup under the careful supervision of the medical team.

“I don’t think anyone knows that he is unwell, basically. It is not only a fitness issue, meaning it is not like he failed a fitness test. From what I personally know, he is unwell with something like a viral fever,” he added.

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“Because of this illness, he has been advised to participate in the ongoing T20 tournament in Pakistan. And, God forbid, if anything serious happens, the doctors will look after him properly.”

Rizwan also shared that the management of the PCB, along with the coaching staff and selection committee, has expressed strong support for Fakhar as he focuses on his recovery.

“I’ve had in-depth discussions with the selection committee regarding this situation,” Rizwan stated.

“The coach and PCB management have been informed to take good care of Fakhar during this time. So, there’s nothing personal against him – the whole of Pakistan knows this. Everyone is hopeful that he’ll rejoin the Pakistan team soon.”

It is important to note that Fakhar Zaman last played for Pakistan during the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup in 2024 in June.

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed clears the air on retirement statement

Pakistan star batter Babar Azam and pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi are on the verge of achieving major milestones in the series-opener of the T20I series against South Africa, scheduled later today.

Babar is currently holding the second position on the highest run-scorers list in T20I cricket, having accumulated 4,192 runs across 126 matches.

He needs only 39 runs to overtake India’s Rohit Sharma, who reigns at the top with 4,231 runs achieved in 159 matches.

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Following closely behind Babar is Virat Kohli, who has announced his retirement from T20I cricket alongside Rohit after India’s victory in the ICC T20 World Cup 2024. Kohli occupies the third spot in the rankings, having amassed 4,188 runs across 125 matches.

On the other hand, Shaheen Afridi is just three wickets shy of becoming the third Pakistani bowler to reach the coveted 100-wicket mark in T20Is. Overall, he would be the 19th bowler globally and the eighth fast bowler to reach this feat.

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.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

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.

Squads of Pakistan and South Africa for T20I series

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(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)

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

READ: Sarfaraz Ahmed clears the air on retirement statement

South Africa left-arm spinner Tabraiz Shamsi has recently expressed his profound admiration for the former Pakistan off-spinner Saeed Ajmal.

Shamsi is currently gearing up for the three-match T20I home series against Pakistan, which is set to kick off in Durban tomorrow.

The 34-year-old spinner, in an interview with a local sports website, opened up about the role of spin bowlers in T20 cricket, which is dominated by explosive power-hitters.

“When T20 cricket began, people thought it would mark the decline of spinners, but the opposite happened,” Shamsi said.

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“Slow bowlers have always been pivotal to their teams’ success. While powerplays and field restrictions can sometimes make it seem like the game favours batters, spinners have the ability to turn matches in their teams’ favour with strategic planning.”

Shamsi was then asked about his inspirations as a spinner, and he was quick to highlight Saeed Ajmal as a pivotal figure in his cricketing journey.

“It’s hard to pick one, but Saeed Ajmal was truly inspirational. I studied his bowling closely. His ability to spin the ball both ways was exceptional, and our styles are quite similar,” he revealed.

It’s worth noting that following the first T20I match in Durban tomorrow, 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.

Squads of Pakistan and South Africa for T20I series

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(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)

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

READ: Pakistan squad carries out training session ahead of first South Africa T20I

DURBAN: The Pakistan squad carried out a training session here on Monday ahead of the series-opener of the three-match T20I series against South Africa, set to commence tomorrow.

Pakistan cricket team is currently on a tour of South Africa, where they will play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests from 10 December to 7 January.

The Green Shirts immersed themselves in an intensive practice session to prepare for the crucial opening match, scheduled to be played tomorrow.

The players participated in robust batting, bowling, and fielding training sessions to finalize their preparations for the series.

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Following the first T20I match in Durban tomorrow, 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. 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.

Squads of Pakistan and South Africa for T20I series

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(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)

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

READ: PM Shehbaz Sharif lauds PCB chairman’s stance on Champions Trophy

Pakistan top-order batter Ahmed Shehzad has raised questions over the decision to drop off-spinner Sajid Khan from the Test squad for the upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Pakistan men’s selection committee, on 4 December, announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in two Test matches against England, was a notable exclusion alongside pace bowler Shaheen Afridi.

The decision did not sit well with Ahmed Shehzad, who criticised the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) for dropping Sajid despite his top-notch performance against England.

“You have dropped Sajid Khan from the South Africa series; are you people blind or out of your minds? Do you think you’re the only one going to play in South Africa, where the entire world doesn’t play? And there, you’re taking just Noman Ali,” Shehzad said in a video on his YouTube channel.

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“You should be thanking Sajid because in the slump Pakistan cricket has been stuck in for the last three and a half years — where it had hit rock bottom and people had started laughing at your cricket—he won matches for you.

“And this is how you’ve rewarded him? Just as he was becoming a superstar, you discarded him like a fly from milk.”

Shehzad also lambasted over the decision to rest Shaheen Afridi from the Test series.

“So, you’ve dropped Shaheen and brought in your own group. What did you achieve by dropping Shaheen? Managing workload, right? You’re just fooling the public in the name of workload management,” he stated.

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

Tests: 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

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & 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)

T20Is: 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)

READ: Pacers keep England on top after Brook’s ton in second New Zealand Test

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) has unveiled a 15-member squad for the upcoming T20I series against Pakistan, scheduled to be played from 10 December.

The three-match T20I series between South Africa and Pakistan will commence on 10 December in Durban. Meanwhile, Centurion and Johannesburg will host the subsequent matches on 13 December and 14 December respectively.

Heinrich Klaasen will take the helm as captain, stepping into the role in place of regular skipper Aiden Markram, who is unavailable for the T20I series.

Notably, the squad will be missing several integral players who have performed consistently across formats. Star cricketers including Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs will be rested to prepare for the ODI series against Pakistan.

Meanwhile, fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi are making a much-awaited comeback to the international scene. This series will be their first outing since the 2024 ICC Men’s T20 World Cup held in June.

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Additionally, all-rounder George Linde is back in the fold after an impressive domestic campaign, showcasing his skills and versatility.

“All 15 players are capped, and we’re looking to build on the experience within the group as we continue to grow as a unit,” said South Africa’s white-ball head coach Rob Walter.

“In the absence of Aiden, Heinrich will lead the team. He is a vastly experienced player with a strong understanding and reading of the game. We look forward to utilising him in this role after his previous experiences in 2021.

“We have also given George an opportunity again. He really earned his spot off the back of a strong domestic campaign, and his skills as a spinning all-rounder add important balance to the team.

“We’re pleased to have Anrich and Tabraiz back in the squad. Their wealth of experience and skill significantly bolsters our bowling unit, enhancing both our pace and spin departments, which will be key against a strong Pakistan side.”

South Africa T20I Squad against Pakistan

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

*Matthew Breetzke, Kwena Maphaka, and Ryan Rickelton will join the squad after completing their Test duties against Sri Lanka.

**Tabraiz Shamsi‘s involvement in the ongoing Global Super League (GSL) in Guyana may impact his availability for the first T20I.

READ: Aqib Javed explains Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from Test squad

Aqib Javed, the interim white-ball head coach of Pakistan and a member of the selection committee, explained the reasons for excluding pace bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi and off-spinner Sajid Khan from the squad for the Test series against South Africa.

Earlier today, the Pakistan men’s selection committee announced the squads for the upcoming South Africa tour, scheduled from 10 December to 7 January. The tour comprises three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests.

However, Sajid Khan, who took 19 wickets in two Test matches against England, was a notable exclusion alongside Shaheen Afridi.

Aqib Javed, while clarifying the reasons, highlighted the ‘horses for courses policy,’ stating that Sajid has left out because pitches in South Africa are not suitable for spinners.

It’s worth noting that Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England, is the sole spinner in the Test squad.

“We have adopted horses for courses policy to ensure all three squads are well-balanced and capable of performing strongly in South Africa,” said Aqib.

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“Leaving out Sajid Khan, despite his stellar performances against England, was an extremely tough and difficult decision.

“However, considering the pace-friendly conditions at Centurion and in Cape Town, we opted for Mohammad Abbas instead, who is an outstanding exponent of seam bowling.”

On the other hand, Aqib revealed that Shaheen Afridi has been rested as part of the strategy to keep him fresh and fit for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

“Shaheen Shah Afridi’s exclusion from the Test squad is a strategic decision to ensure he remains physically and mentally fresh for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025,” he added.

He further shared that opening batter Fakhar Zaman was also not considered for the white-ball series against South Africa as he is yet to achieve full fitness.

“Similarly, Fakhar Zaman was not considered as he is yet to regain form and match fitness.”

Pakistan squads for South Africa tour

Tests: 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

ODIs: Mohammad Rizwan (captain & 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)

T20Is: 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)

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