Tag: South Africa

LAHORE: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) confirmed the relocation of the upcoming tri-nation ODI series involving New Zealand and South Africa on Wednesday.

The tri-nation ODI series was originally scheduled to be held in Multan in February, however, it has been relocated to the upgraded Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore and National Bank Stadium in Karachi.

This decision reflects the PCB’s confidence in the readiness of these upgraded venues and their ability to deliver a world-class experience for players, officials, and fans alike. Further details regarding the series will be shared in due course.

The cricket board further provided an update regarding the aforementioned stadium, with Gaddafi Stadium’s being increased to 35,000 and new chairs installed throughout the venue.

Additionally, 480 state-of-the-art LED lights have been installed to enhance broadcast LUX levels, ensuring superior viewing quality for fans worldwide. To further elevate the spectator experience, two giant digital replay screens – measuring 80 feet x 30 feet and 22 feet x 35 feet – will be installed next week.

The stadium is set to be inaugurated in the last week of January.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

A brand-new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure has also been created, which will be operational by 25 January. The iconic stadium is set to provide an unparalleled experience for all stakeholders.

At the National Bank Stadium, significant enhancements have been made, including the creation of a new players’ and officials’ hospitality enclosure at the University End.

To improve broadcast coverage, 350 LED lights have been installed, ensuring optimal visibility for global audiences. Two digital replay screens have already been fixed, and 5,000 new chairs have been installed to enhance spectator comfort.

Meanwhile, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is undergoing minor touch-ups, focusing on the installation of 10,000 new chairs, upgrades to hospitality boxes and the installation of two digital replay screens.

These improvements are designed to ensure the stadium exceeds international standards for upcoming events.

Schedule of Tri-series (Pakistan, New Zealand and South Africa)

8 February 2025, Pakistan vs New Zealand

10 February 2025, South Africa vs New Zealand

12 February 2025, South Africa vs Pakistan

14 February 2025, Final

READ: Fakhar Zaman ready to make a comeback in Champions Trophy

CAPE TOWN: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Thursday revealed their Playing XI for the second Test against Pakistan, scheduled to be played here at Newlands from 3 January.

South Africa are leading the two-match series after a thrilling two-wicket victory in the opening Test in Centurion. With this victory, they confirmed their berth for the final of the World Test Championship (WTC), scheduled in June.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

The Proteas have made three changes to the Playing XI as Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj and uncapped Kwena Maphaka came into the side for Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson.

Bosch made his debut in the first Test, replacing injured Maharaj, and played a key role in South Africa’s victory with his all-round performance. Meanwhile, Paterson bagged a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

In De Zorzi’s absence, Ryan Rickelton will join Aiden Markram at the top of the order, followed by returning Mulder. The middle order will feature skipper Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham and wicketkeeper batter Kyle Verreynne.

Meanwhile, teenage pacer Maphaka, who impressed during the white-ball series against Pakistan, will join senior pacers Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen as well as returning spinner Maharaj to form Soputh Afrioca’s bowling attack.

South Africa Playing XI for the second Test against Pakistan

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.

READ: Pakistan likely to make one change for second South Africa Test: reports

CENTURIAN: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Tuesday unveiled their Playing XI for the first Test of the two-match series against Pakistan, scheduled to start here on December 26.

The Boxing Day Test will be played at the Supersport Park and will feature almost the same team that played in the final Test against Sri Lanka earlier this month, with one change.

Experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj was ruled out of the first Test due to an injury and was replaced by uncapped all-rounder Corbin Bosch in the Playing XI.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Maharaj suffered a groin strain just before the first ODI against Pakistan and was replaced by all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in the line-up.

Following the injury, Maharaj underwent a series of scans to evaluate the extent of the damage. The results confirmed that he is dealing with a left adductor strain.

Bosch will be joining Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen and Dan Paterson to form an all-pace bowling attack.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

Tony de Zorzi and Aiden Markram are expected top open the innings with Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, and David Bedingham to follow.

The Test series against Pakistan is vital for South Africa as they aim to strengthen their chances for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final.

South Africa Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch

READ: ICC reveals schedule of Champions Trophy 2025

JOHANNESBURG: Saim Ayub smashed a blistering century and debutant Sufiyan Muqeem claimed a four-wicket haul to help Pakistan clinch a thrilling victory against South Africa in the third ODI at The Wanderers Stadium here on Sunday.

Pakistan, under the inspired leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, became the first-ever team to clean-sweep the Proteas in an ODI series in South Africa.

While chasing, South Africa started strongly but ultimately fell short as they bundled for 271 losing the match by 36 runs.

The Proteas faced an early setback with the wicket of captain Temba Bavuma was dismissed after scoring just eight runs, leaving the side reeling at 25-1 in 3.2 overs.

His opening partner Tony de Zorzi started well but he fell prey to a ferocious bouncer from Shaheen Afridi after scoring 26 off 23.

Rassie van der Dussen (35) then knitted two crucial partnerships of 36 and 40 with Aiden Markram and Heinrich Klaasen respectively.

Debutant Sufiyan Muqeem struck with the first ball of his spell, dismissing Markram for 19, while Van der Dussen was removed by Mohammad Hasnain.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

David Miller (3) joined Klaasen but he was quickly dismissed after Mohammad Rizwan took a stunning catch off Saim Ayub.

Klaasen then built a crucial 91-run partnership with Marco Jansen (26) forcing South Africa’s comeback as they took the team’s total to 194.

Klaasen smashed 81 runs from 43 balls with the help of 12 boundaries and two sixes before Shaheen Afridi ended his quick-fire knock.

Debutant Corbin Bosch then played an unbeaten cameo of 40 runs but it was not enough as South Africa were bundled out for 271 in 42 overs.

For Pakistan, Sufiyan Muqeem led the attack with the bowling figures of 4-52, while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah claimed two wickets each.

Earlier, in a repeat of the second ODI, Pakistan were invited to bat first, and opening batter Abdullah Shafique walked back in the first over, registering his third consecutive duck.

Babar Azam joined Saim Ayub at the crease; however, they had to rush back due to rain, which resulted in the match being reduced to 47 overs per side.

They resumed their innings after the rain break and built a solid partnership of 114 runs from 133 balls, during which they both reached their individual half-centuries.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

However, Kwena Maphaka broke the stand as he removed Babar, who scored 52 runs from 71 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Saim was joined by skipper Mohammad Rizwan and they increased the scoring rate with their 93-run stand that conceded only 75 balls.

Saim fell prey to debutant Corbin Bosch right after reaching his century, going back with a quick 101-run knock from 94 balls, laced with 15 boundaries that included two sixes.

Rizwan departed soon after playing a 52-ball knock of 53 runs, which featured five boundaries and one six.

Salman Ali Agha then played a quick-fire knock of 48 runs from 33 balls and added a crucial partnership of 74 runs with Tayyab Tahir (28) before Kagiso Rabada ended his entertaining knock.

Rabada dismissed Shaheen Afridi on the first ball, which Marco Jansen removed Tayyab and Mohammad Hasnain (4) in the last over to restrict Pakistan to 308-9 in the allocated 47 overs.

Rabada led the wicket with three wickets, while Jansen and Bjorn Fortuin claimed two wickets each. Maphaka and Bosch contributed with one wicket each.

READ: Pakistan batter proposes unique solution to host matches against India

JOHANNESBURG: South Africa have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the third ODI against Pakistan at The Wanderers Stadium here on Sunday.

PLAYING XIs

The visitors, who currently hold an unassailable 2-0 lead in the three-match series and are aiming for a clean sweep, have made three changes to their Playing XI.

Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufiyan have been brought in to replace Muhammad Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed, respectively.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, South Africa have made two changes as they brought in experienced pacer Kagiso Rabada and uncapped Corbin Bosch in place of Andile Phehlukwayo and Tabraiz Shamsi.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem.

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (wk), Marco Jansen, Corbin Bosch, Kwena Maphaka, Bjorn Fortuin, Kagiso Rabada.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and South Africa have played a total of 85 matches, with South Africa leading the head-to-head with 52 victories. Pakistan has won 32 matches, while one match ended without a result.

Matches 84, Pakistan 32, South Africa 52, NR 1

READ: Pakistan batter proposes unique solution to host matches against India

JOHANNESBURG: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has revealed the Playing XI for the third ODI against South Africa, featuring uncapped left-arm spinner Sufiyan Muqeem.

Pakistan, who currently hold a commanding 2-0 lead and are aiming for a clean sweep, have made three changes to their Playing XI.

Middle-order batter Tayyab Tahir, fast bowler Mohammad Hasnain, and Sufiyan have been brought in to replace Muhammad Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf, and Abrar Ahmed, respectively.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Sufiyan’s selection comes on the heels of his impressive performances in the recent T20I series against Zimbabwe, where he made headlines with a remarkable bowling display that included record figures of 5 wickets for just 3 runs.

This impressive achievement has not gone unnoticed and reflects the PCB’s commitment to providing opportunities for emerging talent in the national squad while ensuring a fresh rotation of players.

Abdullah Shafique has managed to retain his spot, despite bagging two ducks in the series so far, and will continue to open the innings alongside the in-form Saim Ayub.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

Babar Azam is positioned at his usual number three spot, while the middle order will feature skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, and the returning Tayyab Tahir.

On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi is poised to spearhead Pakistan’s pacer attack, supported by Naseem Shah and Hasnain.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem.

READ: Pakistan batter proposes unique solution to host matches against India

CAPETOWN: Heinrich Klaasen’s stellar 97-run knock went in vain as Pakistan thumped South Africa in the second ODI to take an unassailable 2-0 in the series here on Thursday.

Chasing a target of 330 at Newlands, South Africa were bundled out for 248 in 43.1 overs with Naseem Shah taking the final wicket of Klaasen.

The right-handed batter waged a lone war against a dominant Pakistan bowling attack, hitting 97 runs from 74 balls with the help of eight boundaries and four sixes.

Tony de Zorzi and David Miller played valuable knocks of 34 and 29 respectively, but they were not enough to help South Africa chase a mammoth target.

Shaheen Afridi led the attack for Pakistan with bowling figures of 4-47, while Naseem claimed three wickets. Spin bowlers Abrar Ahmed and Salman Ali Agha bagged two and one each respectively.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

Earlier, South Africa invited Pakistan to bat first and drew first blood with the wicket of out-of-form opener Abdullah Shafique (0) in the first over.

Saim Ayub scored 25 runs and constructed a 48-run stand for the second wicket with Babar Azam before becoming the first ODI wicket of debutant Kwena Maphaka.

Babar was joined by captain Mohammad Rizwan and they formed a solid partnership of 115 runs for the third wicket, with both batters scoring their half-centuries.

Andile Phehlukwayo broke the partnership with the wicket of Babar, who departed after scoring 73 runs from 95 balls with the help of seven boundaries.

Meanwhile, Rizwan also fell soon afterwards as he fell prey to Maphaka after playing a gutsy knock of 80 off 82, which featured ten boundaries, including three sixes.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Kamran Ghulam then played a blinder of a knock to boost Pakistan’s scoring rate, smashing 63 runs from 32 balls, peppered with five sixes and four boundaries.

He added partnerships of 50 and 49 with Salman Ali Agha (33) and Irfan Khan (15) respectively before falling in the final over.

Pakistan lost their remaining two wickets and were bundled out for 329 in 50 overs.

Maphaka led the wicket-takers chart for South Africa with four wickets, while Marco Jansen took three wickets. Phehlukwayo and Bjorn Fortuin bagged one wicket each.

READ: ICC confirms hybrid model for Champions Trophy 2025, other events in India, Pakistan

South Africa suffered a major setback ahead of the second ODI against Pakistan, as left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj has been ruled out of the ongoing series.

Maharaj suffered a groin strain just before the first ODI against Pakistan on Tuesday and was replaced by all-rounder Andile Phehlukwayo in South Africa’s Playing XI.

Following the injury, Maharaj underwent a series of scans to evaluate the extent of the damage. The results confirmed that he is dealing with a left adductor strain.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

As a precautionary measure, he will be returning to his home in Durban for rehabilitation. His recovery will be closely monitored, and he will undergo a reassessment in preparation for the first Test match against Pakistan.

South Africa have named left-arm spinner Bjorn Fortuin as a replacement for Keshav Maharaj for the remaining ODIs against Pakistan.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Notably, the second ODI between Pakistan and South Africa is set to take place in Cape Town today, followed by the third match on December 21 in Johannesburg.

Meanwhile, the two-match Test series will kick off in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town, starting from January 3.

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

South Africa Test Squad: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk)

READ: Saim Ayub breaks Brian Lara’s record during first ODI against South Africa

JOHANNESBURG: Cricket South Africa (CSA) on Wednesday unveiled a strong squad for the upcoming two-match Test series against Pakistan, scheduled to commence on December 26.

South Africa has included two uncapped players — all-rounder Corbin Bosch alongside teenage pacer Kwena Maphaka, who is part of the white-ball squad against Pakistan.

Bosch, the son of former international cricketer Tertius Bosch, has received his first call-up to represent his country at the international level. He has scored 1295 runs at an average of 40.46 and taken 72 wickets across 34 first-class matches.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

Meanwhile, Maphaka was initially called up to the Test squad for the series against Sri Lanka as a backup for the injured fast bowler Gerald Coetzee, however, he could not get a game.

On the other hand, injured all-rounder Wiaan Mulder and spinner Keshav Maharaj have also been named in the South Africa squad, with the hope of achieving full fitness ahead of the Test series.

Maharaj suffered a groin strain just before the first ODI against Pakistan yesterday. He will undergo a scan later today to assess the severity of the injury.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Meanwhile, Mulder broke his right middle finger while batting against Sri Lanka in Durban last month and is now in the final phase of his recovery.

The Test series against Pakistan is vital for South Africa as they aim to strengthen their chances for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final. Currently, they are sitting at the top of the points table following their clean sweep victory over Sri Lanka.

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.

Squads for South Africa-Pakistan Test series

South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk)

Pakistan: 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: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub move up, Rizwan drops down in ICC T20I Rankings

PAARL: The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has announced the Playing XI for the first ODI of the three-match series against South Africa, scheduled to be played at Boland Park here on 17 December.

Abdullah Shafique and Saim Ayub will open the innings for Pakistan, while star batter Babar Azam, who rested during the ODI series against Zimbabwe, has returned to his usual number three spot.

Skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha and Muhammad Irfan Khan will follow in the subsequent batting positions.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Abrar Ahmed, who made his ODI debut against Zimbabwe last month, has been selected as the sole spinner in the Playing XI, while Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Haris Rauf will form the pace attack of Pakistan in the series-opener against South Africa.

It’s worth noting that South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma is set to miss the first ODI and Aiden Markram will lead the team in his absence.

Bavuma has been rested to manage his workload ahead of the crucial two-match Test series against Pakistan. However, he is likely to feature in the next two ODIs.

Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Live on ARY ZAP

It’s worth noting that after the series opener today, Pakistan and South Africa will play subsequent ODIs in Cape Town and Johannesburg on December 19 and 22 respectively.

Meanwhile, the two-match Test series will kick off in Centurion on December 26, followed by the second Test in Cape Town, starting from January 3.

Pakistan Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c)(wk), Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf

READ: South Africa captain to miss first ODI against Pakistan, replacement named