How Pakistan can and should win in South Africa?

[Xoib]

Khurram and I think If Haris can make himself available they can do well don’t trust the two Shahs at all with red ball.

 

[khyberlion]

No they wont you cant leave those 2 guys out who won you a memorable series vs england no matter what the pitch is.

In that case let's go with 4 spinners because spinners took 39 off our 40 wickets in the last 2 games.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Last tour Pakistan vs SA, 104 wickets fell from both sides. 99 wickets were taken by Seamers.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Just like Sri Lanka was all out for 42 in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa, what will happen to Pakistan now?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1862100846885925071

 

[Kianig89]

If SSA Naseem are fully fit and Jamal does his homework then we can compete with SA with Khurram to bowl good new ball spells. Our batters will be heavily tested specially bar Babar

As per reports team.may be

Saim
Imam/Shafiq
Shan c
Babar
Saud
Rizwan+
Agha
Jamal/Sajid
SSA
Naseem
Khurram
---------------

 

[Kianig89]

Just like Sri Lanka was all out for 42 in the first innings of the first Test against South Africa, what will happen to Pakistan now?

https://twitter.com/x/status/1862100846885925071

Easy 10fers loading , #Kyle Abbott

 

[Cricket Warrior]

If SSA Naseem are fully fit and Jamal does his homework then we can compete with SA with Khurram to bowl good new ball spells. Our batters will be heavily tested specially bar Babar

As per reports team.may be

Saim
Imam/Shafiq
Shan c
Babar
Saud
Rizwan+
Agha
Jamal/Sajid
SSA
Naseem
Khurram
---------------

Jamal is useless in Test cricket.. its better to go with a proper spinner and sajid khan is a best choice.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I think Pak batters will do better than the Sri Lankan batters. Pakistan can spring a surprise on a lottery pitch. But i wouldn't hold my breath.

 

[Barragan]

Babar Azam needs to be playing!

Shaheen is rubbish nowadays, definitely should not be anywhere near the Test team.

Khurram Shehzad is easily the best fast bowler in Pak.

Shehzad and Jamal are two spots taken.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Jamal is useless in Test cricket.. its better to go with a proper spinner and sajid khan is a best choice.

He literally took 18 wickets in his debut series in Australia

 

[jnaveen1980]

I think Pak batters will do better than the Sri Lankan batters. Pakistan can spring a surprise on a lottery pitch. But i wouldn't hold my breath.

Actually Pakistan has the second worst batting average in South Africa. This includes some elite players like Moyo, Younis Khan, Inzamam.


From 1990-2024
Overall figures

Team	Players	Span	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100	50	0	4s	6s
Australia	57	1994-2018	24	454	57	12507	214	31.50	23617	52.95	26	55	59	1633	100
England	66	1995-2020	27	479	65	12441	258	30.05	26990	46.09	18	56	55	1615	112
West Indies	53	1998-2023	17	355	34	7558	202	23.54	15622	48.38	12	30	44	1069	59
India	64	1992-2024	25	506	56	10472	169	23.27	23212	45.11	17	39	59	1398	60
New Zealand	53	1994-2016	15	292	32	5598	262	21.53	13053	42.88	5	25	47	762	28
Sri Lanka	53	1998-2024	18	373	39	6985	153*	20.91	13909	50.21	6	29	55	975	40
Pakistan	58	1995-2019	15	315	30	5896	136	20.68	11933	49.40	6	25	47	828	30
Bangladesh	43	2002-2022	8	176	16	2656	137	16.60	5372	49.44	1	8	27	384	18
Zimbabwe	29	1999-2017	4	88	8	1231	85	15.38	2843	43.29	0	6	15	175	11

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Actually Pakistan has the second worst batting average in South Africa. This includes some elite players like Moyo, Younis Khan, Inzamam.


From 1990-2024
Overall figures

Team	Players	Span	Mat	Inns	NO	Runs	HS	Ave	BF	SR	100	50	0	4s	6s
Australia	57	1994-2018	24	454	57	12507	214	31.50	23617	52.95	26	55	59	1633	100
England	66	1995-2020	27	479	65	12441	258	30.05	26990	46.09	18	56	55	1615	112
West Indies	53	1998-2023	17	355	34	7558	202	23.54	15622	48.38	12	30	44	1069	59
India	64	1992-2024	25	506	56	10472	169	23.27	23212	45.11	17	39	59	1398	60
New Zealand	53	1994-2016	15	292	32	5598	262	21.53	13053	42.88	5	25	47	762	28
Sri Lanka	53	1998-2024	18	373	39	6985	153*	20.91	13909	50.21	6	29	55	975	40
Pakistan	58	1995-2019	15	315	30	5896	136	20.68	11933	49.40	6	25	47	828	30
Bangladesh	43	2002-2022	8	176	16	2656	137	16.60	5372	49.44	1	8	27	384	18
Zimbabwe	29	1999-2017	4	88	8	1231	85	15.38	2843	43.29	0	6	15	175	11

Yeah but all of these are pretty bad numbers. Only Australia and England truly stand out from the pack.

Pakistan actually won a test match in South Africa during that MoYo, Younis, Inzi era, which feels like a pretty impressive achievement even now.

 

[shamaan]

Jamal is useless in Test cricket.. its better to go with a proper spinner and sajid khan is a best choice.

He was the standout performer in Australia in tests.

 

[shamaan]

Saim
Shan Masood
Babar Azam
Saud Shakeel
Kamran Ghullam
Agha Salman
Jamal
Shaheen
Naseem
Khurram Shahzad
Ihsanullah (if fit) Rauf.

 

[jnaveen1980]

Yeah but all of these are pretty bad numbers. Only Australia and England truly stand out from the pack.

Pakistan actually won a test match in South Africa during that MoYo, Younis, Inzi era, which feels like a pretty impressive achievement even now.

Pitch will determine how things will shape up. I won't say all the pitches are unplayable. Sometimes pitch gets easier to bat on after 2nd day. THen again it becoems treacherous. Sometimes it gets flatter and flatter. But regardless surviving against high pace requires a lot of skill One thing is sure not everyone can defend their way out. Some of the best knocks in SA were counter attacking knocks. I have seen many quality coutner attacking knocks in SA. But one i have to bring up is Pandya's 93. Steyn, Morkel, Philander, Rabada. somewhat blackish soil, ball was moving around, variable bounce, pace on offer. It was near impossible to bat there. Every single ball was a nightmare. He made 93 in 95 balls albeit with a bit of luck. He tried to defend the ball upto a point. He was given a thorough working over also got lucky. Suddenly INdia was 96/7. Then He decided to change the tempo. Then he started smashing them after that. Positive cricket is better than tuk tuk cricket in these conditions. Even SL won there because of positive cricket

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Pitch will determine how things will shape up. I won't say all the pitches are unplayable. Sometimes pitch gets easier to bat on after 2nd day. THen again it becoems treacherous. Sometimes it gets flatter and flatter. But regardless surviving against high pace requires a lot of skill One thing is sure not everyone can defend their way out. Some of the best knocks in SA were counter attacking knocks. I have seen many quality coutner attacking knocks in SA. But one i have to bring up is Pandya's 93. Steyn, Morkel, Philander, Rabada. somewhat blackish soil, ball was moving around, variable bounce, pace on offer. It was near impossible to bat there. Every single ball was a nightmare. He made 93 in 95 balls albeit with a bit of luck. He tried to defend the ball upto a point. He was given a thorough working over also got lucky. Suddenly INdia was 96/7. Then He decided to change the tempo. Then he started smashing them after that. Positive cricket is better than tuk tuk cricket in these conditions. Even SL won there because of positive cricket

You're spot on. Counter-attacking and positive cricket is the way to go if you're batting in South Africa. You have to be willing to take on the uneven bounce and play your shots. There will always be the odd flying edge. But if you're confident and have a good technique...play with soft hands, alot of those edges will go in your favor.

I remember that Pandya innings well. Babar played a great counter-attacking knock at Cape Town back in 2018 too, where he took a liking Steyn in particular. One of the reasons why whatever little hope I have from the Pakistan batting, I have from him and to some extent Rizwan.

 

[neonoir]

You're spot on. Counter-attacking and positive cricket is the way to go if you're batting in South Africa. You have to be willing to take on the uneven bounce and play your shots. There will always be the odd flying edge. But if you're confident and have a good technique...play with soft hands, alot of those edges will go in your favor.

I remember that Pandya innings well. Babar played a great counter-attacking knock at Cape Town back in 2018 too, where he took a liking Steyn in particular. One of the reasons why whatever little hope I have from the Pakistan batting, I have from him and to some extent Rizwan.

One of my favorite knocks of all time was Micheal Clarke 151 vs SA in the 47 all out game, think he made his 151 in 170 balls another counter attacking knock

 

[jnaveen1980]

One of my favorite knocks of all time was Micheal Clarke 151 vs SA in the 47 all out game, think he made his 151 in 170 balls another counter attacking knock

The famous ones are Kapil Dev 129 at Port Elizabeth when India was 31/6 or something. Then there was this audacious partnership between Azharuddin/Tendulkar at Capetown. 222 runs in 35 overs or something when they joined at 58/5. Then Sehwag's debut test at BlomeFoentine. Sehwag joined Tendulkar 68/4. Then they added 220 runs in 46 overs. Other than India one that i remember is Azhar Mahmood's 132 at Durban. Spinning wicket. In the same series pat symcox made 108 runs batting at 10.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

He literally took 18 wickets in his debut series in Australia

and right after that he looked out of color..

 

[usman.sandhu]

Babar Azam needs to be playing!

Shaheen is rubbish nowadays, definitely should not be anywhere near the Test team.

Khurram Shehzad is easily the best fast bowler in Pak.

Shehzad and Jamal are two spots taken.

I don't think there is any need to change our current test batting order. Babar needs to earn his place back, does not deserve to be in the team on current form...

SSA has been rubbish for a while now, Mir Hamza would be a better choice...

 

[shaz619]

The loss to BD should not come as a complete shock to most cricket fans.

Pakistan haven't done well at home since the mid 90's. In '96 , they lost a Test to an equally weak NZ team and in '98 they lost to Zimbabwe who have never before or since won a Test in a Top 8 nation in their history .

However, I can't think of a single reason why PAK can't compete in a place like South Africa .

South Africa have declined massively and barely have a batting lineup to talk of .

PAK have the tools to exploit this weakness. The first Test is at Centurion . A highveld venue which has a lot of pace and bounce on offer.

Pakistan have to play 4 pace bowlers to take advantage of the conditions.

In Southern Hemisphere , you need at least 2 tall quicks who can hit the deck and get bounce from a full length.

So Shaheen is an automatic selection. Next selection should be Mohammad Zeeshan whose real age is probably around 23-24 and ideal for a Test debut. But more importantly at 6'8", he can bounce the ball from 4m length from batsmen.

5'9" bowlers like Naseem have to be very quick and skilled otherwise they are completely useless in such conditions. He should only play if 6'4" Ihsanullah is not fit enough to be a 3rd seamer by then .

The 4th seamer has to be a seam allrounder and Aamer Jamal walks into this spot as he is the best seam allrounder in the world and lengthens the batting by coming in at 8.

The batting is bound to be weaker suit but the only real change is probably to replace 28 averaging Shan with Huraira and that is possibly the best lineup available .

On paper at least, this team should be too strong for the South Africans and PAK should start as favourites.

This OP could have just been one sentence:

‘Select Fakhar Zaman.’

Without him, chances are significantly reduced.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

and right after that he looked out of color..

He has played 3 test matches since then. Including one on the absolute worst surface for a fast-bowler. When someone gives a performance like that---18 wickets in their debut series in Australia---they earn themselves the long rope.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

One of my favorite knocks of all time was Micheal Clarke 151 vs SA in the 47 all out game, think he made his 151 in 170 balls another counter attacking knock

Great knock in a great test match. But unfortunately that match will always be remembered for 47 all out and South Africa's comeback.

 

[jamie smith]

wil be fun to see if rizwan or kg survive more than 10 balls against jansen and coetzee

 

[jamie smith]

sa bowling will be depleted.Rabada has regrssed massively and mulder is also out of the series due to injury.the threat will be the pace and bounce of jansen and coetzee

 

[Nikhil_cric]

This OP could have just been one sentence:

‘Select Fakhar Zaman.’

Without him, chances are significantly reduced.

Fakhar is not a great Test batter

 

[AAli98]

Avoiding sub 50 scores will be good as a series victory.

 

[shaz619]

Fakhar is not a great Test batter

For the limited overs I meant, the Tests are not up for debate, Pak might win in Cape Town that’s it

 

[Savak]

The likes of Babar, Shaheen, Naseem were rested from the Zimbabwe tour.

These guys should have been in South Africa practicing and preparing themselves for the conditions.

We have already seen South Africa bowl out Sri Lanka for 42 runs and the South Africans are very ruthless with their template against Subcontinent touring teams ie green wickets, pacy, bouncy wickets.

Pakistan in 2019 were blown away by Rabada, Olivier and this time we will have to deal with Rabada, Burger, Ngidi.

 

[mominsaigol]

The likes of Babar, Shaheen, Naseem were rested from the Zimbabwe tour.

These guys should have been in South Africa practicing and preparing themselves for the conditions.

We have already seen South Africa bowl out Sri Lanka for 42 runs and the South Africans are very ruthless with their template against Subcontinent touring teams ie green wickets, pacy, bouncy wickets.

Pakistan in 2019 were blown away by Rabada, Olivier and this time we will have to deal with Rabada, Burger, Ngidi.

Babar is too busy going to USA shopping malls

 

[moghul]

Babar is too busy going to USA shopping malls

And the red ball captain Shaan is in Guyana , skipping QE trophy and playing a useless low level t20 tournament , which he thinks is a better preparation for tests in SA .

 

[Nasty Naz]

The likes of Babar, Shaheen, Naseem were rested from the Zimbabwe tour.

These guys should have been in South Africa practicing and preparing themselves for the conditions.

We have already seen South Africa bowl out Sri Lanka for 42 runs and the South Africans are very ruthless with their template against Subcontinent touring teams ie green wickets, pacy, bouncy wickets.

Pakistan in 2019 were blown away by Rabada, Olivier and this time we will have to deal with Rabada, Burger, Ngidi.

PCB is probably too cheap to fly these guys to SA early, pay for additional hotel costs etc...

It's the same whenever they go to Aus/NZ as well. They never arrive well ahead in time, to prepare, get used to the conditions. It's always just arriving a few days early and thinking a few sessions will prepare you for the tough testing conditions in those countries. Every time, they get blown away. Only for England tours, they prepare a lot and arrive early to prepare because those Tests matches are occurring when its off-season time for Pakistan and they have nothing to do but prepare for those but Pakistan generally get very results there due to it.

Usually, there's the excuse of full squad playing other series to arrive early and prepare for those countries but in this case, that's not the case. Until PCB themselves starting caring about Test cricket, the players won't either.

 

[kron]

wil be fun to see if rizwan or kg survive more than 10 balls against jansen and coetzee

Rabada
Jansen
Burger
Coetze
Nortje

There is also couple more decent bowlers like Bosch and ngidi.

 

[jamie smith]

burger is injured and nortje does not play tests now.

Rabada
Jansen
Burger
Coetze
Nortje

There is also couple more decent bowlers like Bosch and ngidi.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

I know people will say conditions wont suit them but one thing which we all forgetting these guys are good in lower order with the bat aswell plus thier bowling we all know in sena conditions runs down the order will be really useful plz discuss.

 

[Barragan]

I don't think there is any need to change our current test batting order. Babar needs to earn his place back, does not deserve to be in the team on current form...

SSA has been rubbish for a while now, Mir Hamza would be a better choice...

Babar Azam is easily the best player of pace

Abdullah Shafique has also had a poor run in Tests (aside from that 100 on a road in Multan)

I'd rather back an out of form Babar over out of form Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood goes to opening

Babar will be a key player in SA

 

[neonoir]

Great knock in a great test match. But unfortunately that match will always be remembered for 47 all out and South Africa's comeback.

The 161 he made in 2014 was an atg test hundred imo he got absolutely battered by Morkel in the first 30 mins got hit all over his body and ended up making a sublime ton.

Very underappreciated player was Micheal Clarke

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The 161 he made in 2014 was an atg test hundred imo he got absolutely battered by Morkel in the first 30 mins got hit all over his body and ended up making a sublime ton.

Very underappreciated player was Micheal Clarke

He was an excellent player. It was great to see him step up and take on the mantle as Ponting faded away. As everyone expected him to. Didn't have an especially long time at the top but he did have that monster year in 2012.

And this might have been his last great knock. Because I don't recall him having a particularly good last year in test cricket.

 

[FearlessRoar]

Treat for Pakistan as Gerald Coetzee will miss the second Test between South Africa and Sri Lanka and the upcoming all-format home series against Pakistan due to a groin injury.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Aaqib ball

 

[usman.sandhu]

Babar Azam is easily the best player of pace

Abdullah Shafique has also had a poor run in Tests (aside from that 100 on a road in Multan)

I'd rather back an out of form Babar over out of form Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood goes to opening

Babar will be a key player in SA

Babar Azam has been rubbish for the past 2 years...

I understand you are a fanboy, but let that not delude you from the fact that he has been an absolute failure in the past 2 years..

Unless he can work on himself and improve drastically, he must sit out..

 

[moghul]

Nah pak got actually good chance here with saim good at short bowling attacking opener with that you have spin attack of sajid and noman pak should fancy their chances

Yeah, Saim will make a quick fire 13 or 14 in each match and your aged spinners will be useless in SA. But I like your optimism .

 

[Barragan]

Babar Azam has been rubbish for the past 2 years...

I understand you are a fanboy, but let that not delude you from the fact that he has been an absolute failure in the past 2 years..

Unless he can work on himself and improve drastically, he must sit out..

Is Babar Azam not the best batsman against pace in Pakistan?

Is Abdullah Shafique also not out of form in Tests?

 

[W63L35]

Indian fans are amazing on this forum.... or simply too superstitious!
Always toooo pessimists about Indian team and tooooo optimistic about Pakistani team!

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Indian fans are amazing on this forum.... or simply too superstitious!
Always toooo pessimists about Indian team and tooooo optimistic about Pakistani team!



View attachment 148209

Bald Eagle is Pakistani, not Indian

 

[shamaan]

Babar Azam fan boy?

Don't waste my time with a low quality response.

Is Babar Azam not the best batsman against pace in Pakistan?

Is Abdullah Shafique also not out of form in Tests?

Yes he is best player of pace and I think he will come back in form.Abdullah Shafique is out of form and he will have to go up against the left arm pacer.

 

[usman.sandhu]

Babar Azam fan boy?

Don't waste my time with a low quality response.

Is Babar Azam not the best batsman against pace in Pakistan?

Is Abdullah Shafique also not out of form in Tests?

I sense I touched a nerve there - You are a Babar Azam fanboy

Babar Azam on current form is definitely not the best batsman in Pakistan.. far from it actually..

If you or anyone thinks that Babar should be playing for Pakistan on current form, then you are definitely a Babar fan and not a Pakistan cricket fan...

 

[usman.sandhu]

Yes he is best player of pace and I think he will come back in form.Abdullah Shafique is out of form and he will have to go up against the left arm pacer.

Best player of pace!!! - he loses his middle stump to the one that nips back in and edges the out swinger straight to slips...!!

Not sure what your definition of best is - but Babar has actually been horrible against pace and spin for the past 2 years...

 

[RidiculousMan]

Best player of pace!!! - he loses his middle stump to the one that nips back in and edges the out swinger straight to slips...!!

Yep. He has shown this weakness or rather teams figured it out in last 2 years. If he doesn't address this problem then he'll have same fate as Australia Test Tour. Looking like a million dollar but getting out early.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

Aaqib ball

Aaqib Ball will be exposed in South Africa.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Aaqib Ball will be exposed in South Africa.

Parda faash ho jayega

 

[AAli98]

It’s all about beating SA Aus at there own dens & beating Ind in world cups.. & Pak fail miserably on all counts. If beating NZ in bilaterals rocks your boats then so be it.

 

[Hellion]

It’s all about beating SA Aus at there own dens & beating Ind in world cups.. & Pak fail miserably on all counts. If beating NZ in bilaterals rocks your boats then so be it.

Last 10 Test matches between PAK and NZ is 7:1 to New Zealand with 2 draws.

 

[sindhiboy]

Pakistan were competitive in their last 2 tests in Australia, gave them a proper scare.
The seam attack is good enough. SA batsmen are pretty bad nowadays, but Pakistani batters are even worse in SENA conditions.

Just excited to see how Pak seamers perform tbh, dont have any hope on the batters doing well.

 

[Kianig89]

Coetzee is a dangerous customer so he is gone, may be Rabada and Jansen should take leave for SAt20 that way Pakistan can compete with SA

 

[shamaan]

Best player of pace!!! - he loses his middle stump to the one that nips back in and edges the out swinger straight to slips...!!

Not sure what your definition of best is - but Babar has actually been horrible against pace and spin for the past 2 years...

Tell us who the best player of pace is then.

 

[Markhor]

Surprised at how bullish some people are about our chances when our Test record in the Southern Hemisphere has been abysmal. Our spin strategy vs England will be redundant.

The problem with South African pitches isn't just the pace and carry, but uneven bounce too making batting very challenging. With WTC Final qualification at stake, I doubt SA curators are in any mood to make concessions to Pakistan, especially knowing how weak our batsmen are against high pace and bounce.

We need our seamers to outbowl South Africa's who despite their injuries, are still a class above. South African pacers are generally strong and quick with high release points, perfectly primed for the conditions, whereas the typical short and skiddy Pakistani seamers are the opposite. Shaheen is tall but doesn't really utilise his height or have an effective bouncer.

That said, their batting isn't particularly strong either with several inexperienced Test players. We can take heart from the Australia tour when we had them under pressure in Melbourne and Sydney only for our fielders and batsmen to cede the advantage. And given our spicy the pitches are, even 250 could be a competitive total.

 

[Savak]

We will need to follow India's template i.e. look to out bowl the Proteas with the pace attack. Pacers have to bowl 140 km/hr plus in all spells. Go with 4 pace options which includes Jamal as the all rounder.

With the bat, the patient grinding approach will not work in conditions where any ball can have your name on it. You have to be positive with the bat, play your shots and look to get reasonable runs on the board.

 

[mazkhan]

Pakistan have never did well in south africa even with our greats
We've been more competitive with the bat in Australia than south africa .

Expect a mauling I dont see them being able to play the pace and bounce and hostility of south sfrican quicks.

 

[Savak]

Pakistan have never did well in south africa even with our greats
We've been more competitive with the bat in Australia than south africa .

Expect a mauling I dont see them being able to play the pace and bounce and hostility of south sfrican quicks.

The South African batting line up is weak and not the same as we saw in the 90's and early to mid 2000's. India has bull dozed them with their bowling line up and Pakistan with their pace attack can be competitive, but just need to get some decent runs on the board.

I read somewhere the PCB selectors are trying to convince Haris Rauf to play the test matches in South Africa. Aqib Javed has a great deal of influence on Rauf and will likely suceed in convincing him. We need raw pace in this series.

 

[Xoib]

Our pacers can’t bowl more then two spells at decent pace unless Khurram is fit we will not pick 20 wickets

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Our pacers can’t bowl more then two spells at decent pace unless Khurram is fit we will not pick 20 wickets

Ya as if noman and sajid are going to play gold watch this medicore sa batting folding vs them i can assure you that sa cant play spin doesn't matter what the pitch is period.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Surprised at how bullish some people are about our chances when our Test record in the Southern Hemisphere has been abysmal. Our spin strategy vs England will be redundant.

The problem with South African pitches isn't just the pace and carry, but uneven bounce too making batting very challenging. With WTC Final qualification at stake, I doubt SA curators are in any mood to make concessions to Pakistan, especially knowing how weak our batsmen are against high pace and bounce.

We need our seamers to outbowl South Africa's who despite their injuries, are still a class above. South African pacers are generally strong and quick with high release points, perfectly primed for the conditions, whereas the typical short and skiddy Pakistani seamers are the opposite. Shaheen is tall but doesn't really utilise his height or have an effective bouncer.

That said, their batting isn't particularly strong either with several inexperienced Test players. We can take heart from the Australia tour when we had them under pressure in Melbourne and Sydney only for our fielders and batsmen to cede the advantage. And given our spicy the pitches are, even 250 could be a competitive total.

I don't think anyone is denying that South Africa is most likely going to win both test matches handily. Jansen and Rabada will probably be enough for Pakistan. They likely won't need Coetzee, Burger, Ngidi or anyone else. But at the same time, is Pakistan winning a test match really that outlandish when you consider some of the results we have seen in test cricket this year?

New Zealand beat India in India, Sri Lanka beat England in England, West Indies beat Australia in Australia, Bangladesh beat Pakistan in Pakistan.

And I think Pakistan would prefer a lottery pitch to a balanced pitch. Because on a lottery pitch, a couple of great spells and one or two good innings can change the game. Whereas, on a balanced pitch Pakistan's short-comings will be exposed because South Africa are a far better team in those conditions.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

I don't think anyone is denying that South Africa is most likely going to win both test matches handily. Jansen and Rabada will probably be enough for Pakistan. They likely won't need Coetzee, Burger, Ngidi or anyone else. But at the same time, is Pakistan winning a test match really that outlandish when you consider some of the results we have seen in test cricket this year?

New Zealand beat India in India, Sri Lanka beat England in England, West Indies beat Australia in Australia, Bangladesh beat Pakistan in Pakistan.

And I think Pakistan would prefer a lottery pitch to a balanced pitch. Because on a lottery pitch, a couple of great spells and one or two good innings can change the game. Whereas, on a balanced pitch Pakistan's short-comings will be exposed because South Africa are a far better team in those conditions.

Ya same sa team come to pak and face sajid and noman would loose 10 out of 10 time its all about conditions but i still think in those pitches with sa fast bowlers someone like saim can play attacking cricket ball will fly to boundaries so pak best bet is to take the bowlers on and score around even 200 will challenge the sa batting.

 

[Markhor]

I don't think anyone is denying that South Africa is most likely going to win both test matches handily. Jansen and Rabada will probably be enough for Pakistan. They likely won't need Coetzee, Burger, Ngidi or anyone else. But at the same time, is Pakistan winning a test match really that outlandish when you consider some of the results we have seen in test cricket this year?

New Zealand beat India in India, Sri Lanka beat England in England, West Indies beat Australia in Australia, Bangladesh beat Pakistan in Pakistan.

And I think Pakistan would prefer a lottery pitch to a balanced pitch. Because on a lottery pitch, a couple of great spells and one or two good innings can change the game. Whereas, on a balanced pitch Pakistan's short-comings will be exposed because South Africa are a far better team in those conditions.

True given how crazy 2024 has been you cannot rule anything out.

Need a massive improvement in our fielding from Australia where we wasted great positions thanks to pathetic slip catching.

Unlike Pakistan where the ball barely carries, slips and gully will come into play on those quick and bouncy South African wickets.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

True given how crazy 2024 has been you cannot rule anything out.

Need a massive improvement in our fielding from Australia where we wasted great positions thanks to pathetic slip catching.

Unlike Pakistan where the ball barely carries, slips and gully will come into play on those quick and bouncy South African wickets.

You reckon saim has to take the bowlers on can be fun if he does that?

 

[gazza619]

I don't think anyone is denying that South Africa is most likely going to win both test matches handily. Jansen and Rabada will probably be enough for Pakistan. They likely won't need Coetzee, Burger, Ngidi or anyone else. But at the same time, is Pakistan winning a test match really that outlandish when you consider some of the results we have seen in test cricket this year?

New Zealand beat India in India, Sri Lanka beat England in England, West Indies beat Australia in Australia, Bangladesh beat Pakistan in Pakistan.

And I think Pakistan would prefer a lottery pitch to a balanced pitch. Because on a lottery pitch, a couple of great spells and one or two good innings can change the game. Whereas, on a balanced pitch Pakistan's short-comings will be exposed because South Africa are a far better team in those conditions.

I am actually feeling positive. There are quite a few players who could do well for Pakistan. I am pretty sure some of our star players would be itching to prove that they still have gas. If our bowlers remain fit, tail wags and fielders take their catches I see us winning in at least 2 out of the 3 formats.

 

[indianpanacea]

For SA tour Pakistan need batters who can play fast bowling well. So kamran ghulam, aga salman are out.
My team shall be
Shaan masood
Abdullah shafique
Saim
Babar
Haider Ali
Rizwan
Qasim Akram
Amir jamal
Shaheen
Khurram
Naseem shah
Play above and Pakistan will give tough time to SA.
Other squad members

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

True given how crazy 2024 has been you cannot rule anything out.

Need a massive improvement in our fielding from Australia where we wasted great positions thanks to pathetic slip catching.

Unlike Pakistan where the ball barely carries, slips and gully will come into play on those quick and bouncy South African wickets.

Yes their fielding will have to be really uncharacteristic for them to win a test match. On spicy South African pitches, edges come thick and fast. And if you're caught napping you can literally let the match slip from your fingers. Kinda like how they did in Melbourne.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

I am actually feeling positive. There are quite a few players who could do well for Pakistan. I am pretty sure some of our star players would be itching to prove that they still have gas. If our bowlers remain fit, tail wags and fielders take their catches I see us winning in at least 2 out of the 3 formats.

Personally, I can't be too optimistic on tours like these. And I'm talking about the test matches. Don't really care about the white-ball matches that much.

 

[Barragan]

I sense I touched a nerve there - You are a Babar Azam fanboy

Babar Azam on current form is definitely not the best batsman in Pakistan.. far from it actually..

If you or anyone thinks that Babar should be playing for Pakistan on current form, then you are definitely a Babar fan and not a Pakistan cricket fan...

I don't know if you've read what I said.

Let me put it in simple terms - Babar > Abdullah Shafique

 

[Markhor]

You reckon saim has to take the bowlers on can be fun if he does that?

I'm not one to make predictions but it seems Saim's starting to settle into international cricket and his knocks on lively pitches in AUS (albeit vs the white ball) were encouraging. He has fast hands and isn't afraid of pulling or cutting.

Whoever opens they may as well play their shots instead of the usual 10-1 after 10 overs. We don't have the defensive game to play long innings on those pacy and bouncy wickets.

Nor do we necessarily need high totals to win in SA (provided our bowlers perform). Our two Test victories, Durban 1998 and Port Elizabeth 2007, came with 1st innings totals of 259 and 265.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

@Markhor @RedwoodOriginal

The lack of airspeed and release height in the Pakistani attack is very obvious this time.

But South Africa are out of options. Coetzee, Ngidi, Mulder and I think even Nandre Burger is out due to injury.

Nortje has not signed a central contract either.

The next in line are guys like Paterson and Maphaka.

And they are nowhere near good enough.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

@Markhor @RedwoodOriginal

The lack of airspeed and release height in the Pakistani attack is very obvious this time.

But South Africa are out of options. Coetzee, Ngidi, Mulder and I think even Nandre Burger is out due to injury.

Nortje has not signed a central contract either.

The next in line are guys like Paterson and Maphaka.

And they are nowhere near good enough.

Personally, I think Jansen and Rabada will be a handful on their own. The third or fourth seamer will be playing a supporting role. That said, it's still a South African attack without Coetzee, Ngidi, and Burger. If the Pakistan batters can somehow find a way not to lose all their wickets to these two, they might have a chance. That's a big "if," though. Jansen in particular is the type of bowler that Pakistan batters typically struggle against.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

only match winner they had was Fakhar Zaman now dont expect any wins on this tour with this useless squad.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Personally, I think Jansen and Rabada will be a handful on their own. The third or fourth seamer will be playing a supporting role. That said, it's still a South African attack without Coetzee, Ngidi, and Burger. If the Pakistan batters can somehow find a way not to lose all their wickets to these two, they might have a chance. That's a big "if," though. Jansen in particular is the type of bowler that Pakistan batters typically struggle against.

Bro what are pak chances in odis and t20 tests can be hard to win how about white ball series now pak has genuine spinner sufiyan?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Bro what are pak chances in odis and t20 tests can be hard to win how about white ball series now pak has genuine spinner sufiyan?

Personally speaking, I don't care about the results of the white-ball series at all.

I care about the test series and us identifying a core group of players for the Champions Trophy.

If we are able to win a test match and identify those players in ODIs, then I would consider this tour a success.

As for your question, I think Pakistan will lose the T20 and Test series and win the ODI series.

 

[TeymurBlake]

I was initially thinking that Pakistan should go with a four man pace attack with A.Jamal fitting into No.7.

However seeing the way K.Maharaj bowled in the first test against Sri Lanka, maybe playing someone like Nauman Ali may not be a bad idea.

I know Pakistan need to get runs but it’s really important to take 20 wickets.

 

[Savak]

The two test matches Pakistan won in 1998 and 2007 were because of Shoaib Akhtar, Mushtaq Ahmed, Mohd Asif and Danish Kaneria. The bowling will be the key driver. Batters just need to post reasonable totals.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

only rain can save pakistan