[PICTURE] Pakistan name squads for South Africa tour (2024-25)

[BouncerGuy]

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

· “Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20I series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent,” says the interim white-ball head coach

· Pakistan to play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests from 10 December to 7 January

Lahore, 4 December 2024:

The Pakistan men’s selection committee has 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.

Babar Azam has been named in all three squads along with Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, while Naseem Shah has been selected for the Tests and ODIs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also missed the last two Tests against England, has been picked for the white-ball matches as part of his workload management so that he is in his best fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Also returning to the Test side is fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who last played in Jamaica in August 2021. Abbas, who has taken 90 wickets in 25 Tests, had a stellar Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, claiming 31 wickets in five matches. Naseem Shah has also been named in the four-man pace attack after missing the last two Tests against England. The 21-year-old, who has played 19 Tests since making his debut in November 2019, has taken four wickets to date for Lahore Whites against Peshawar in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match in Abbottabad.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has also been named in the Test side after claiming 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka ‘A’ last month. Mir Hamza is the fourth fast bowler in the 15-man Test squad and is presently playing for Peshawar against Lahore Whites in Abbottabad.

However, off-spinner Sajid Khan has missed out on selection despite his 19 wickets against England. The selectors, after taking into consideration the Centurion and Newlands conditions as well as South Africa as the opposition, have opted for only one specialist spinner in Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England and has 67 wickets in 17 Tests.

Also earning the selectors nod for the first time in ODIs is Sufyan Moqim, the left-arm wrist spinner who has taken eight wickets in two T20Is, including five wickets for three runs in the second T20I.

The T20I squad will depart for South Africa on Friday, 6 December, after Thursday’s third T20I against Zimbabwe, while the ODI and Test players will depart for Johannesburg on 13 December. Pakistan men’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie will also arrive in Johannesburg on 13 December to supervise the pre-Test series camp.

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)

Aqib Javed, member selection committee and interim white-ball head coach:

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

“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.

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

“Our aim is to maintain consistency in ODI selections as part of our ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations, while also giving emerging talent opportunities in T20Is alongside experienced players. For Tests, we have focused on assembling a squad that can adapt to challenging conditions and consistently compete at the highest level.

“The Test series against South Africa will be highly competitive, but we are confident in our team’s ability to secure a historic series win. Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20I series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent.”

The series will begin with the first T20I in Durban on 10 December, followed by the first ODI in Paarl on 17 December. The Test matches will be hosted at Centurion and in Cape Town on 26 December and 3 January, respectively.

Tour schedule:

10 Dec – First T20I, Durban
13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion
14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg
17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl
19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town
22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg
26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion
3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Why no sajid khan who made the decision

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Why no sajid khan who made the decision

How can you leave him any reason plz guys i am really upset on this why have they dropped him

 

[mominsaigol]

Why no sajid khan who made the decision

The conditions for sa Don't suit spinners. It was always gonna be only one of sajid or Nouman and Nouman has more experience overseas and a better record while sajid hasn't been good overseas

 

[Nasty Naz]

Don't think the T20 squad matters much considering how far away T20 WC is.

ODI is interesting. Looks like their plan will remain same as it was against Australia which was 7 batsmen and.4 bowlers (pacers). Maybe they go with 3 pacers and one spinner depending on pitch but certainly seems like they will go with 7 batsmen again with lack of allrounders. Usman Khan inclusion in ODI's is interesting but strange. If he was in their plans why not test him vs Zimbabwe?

I do like they clarified that Fakhar is still injured otherwise I was going to complain why he was not in the squad.

Tests squad will probably be the most talked about with Shaheen's exclusion and Abbas surprise inclusion. He still does well in FC so who knows but Shaheen stock has really fallen in recent times.
I like that they didn't include both Sajid & Nauman in the squad for their previous results. You won't ever use two spinners in SA so going with one is sufficient enough. Sajid will be back when they play vs WI.

 

[mominsaigol]

No fakhar Zaman. Tragic.

 

[mominsaigol]

Can I ask why saud shakeel is not in odi and Abdullah shafique or Usman Khan are included?

I back usman but not > Saud

And Abdullah? Great another parchi who hides behind the nonsense opening clause.

Misbah = Captaincy clause

Rizwan = Keeping clause

Abdullah = Opening clause.

Unbelievable lanats

 

[Slim]

Overall decent squads with some positives and negatives.

Test squad:


Dropping Sajid is very unfair. He should at least have been part of the squad.

The fast bowling looks below par. But dropping Shaheen means others will get chance. I would have preferred them going with another new option.

I am happy to see Haseebullah being persisted with. At least Rizwan will know theres someone behind him.

Babar should have been dropped from the test squad. Dont know why he is in there.

ODIs:

Biggest negative is no Fakhar Zaman.

I would have loved to see Fakhar opening with Saim. Big disappointment.

Happy to see Sufiyan making it to ODIs as well. Great talent and even better attitude.

T20I:

I dont know why Babar was selected :/
Glad to see Omair being persisted with.

Neither Rizwan or Babar are t20I players.

 

[Wasim Ghulam]

Glad they dropped Shaheen for Tests. He needs to work on his fitness and regain the 10 clicks he lost in pace

 

[RidiculousMan]

I knew they'd only select one of Sajid and Noman for South Africa Test tour. Cause no point in selecting spinners in the best seam friendly conditions. They have opted for the experience of Noman Ali which I don't mind.

Also not selecting Shaheen in the Test squad is interesting. They have opted for Mohammad Abbas instead.

 

[adi_62941]

Salman ali agha is enjoying ticket to three formats by just passing unnecessary smiles all around.

 

[Xoib]

Test attack has no enforcer I would have punted on Haris but I guess Aqib did not want to take a risk with Champions Trophy around the corner

 

[adi_62941]

I knew they'd only select one of Sajid and Noman for South Africa Test tour. Cause no point in selecting spinners in the best seam friendly conditions. They have opted for the experience of Noman Ali which I don't mind.

Also not selecting Shaheen in the Test squad is interesting. They have opted for Mohammad Abbas instead.

Sajid should have been there as he was a man of the series. People like naseem shah are selected with no prior performances.

 

[Xoib]

Salman ali agha is enjoying ticket to three formats by just passing unnecessary smiles all around.

Unfair he has been most consistent test bat in last 12 months he will perish from white ball if he dosent perform

 

[Slim]

I knew they'd only select one of Sajid and Noman for South Africa Test tour. Cause no point in selecting spinners in the best seam friendly conditions. They have opted for the experience of Noman Ali which I don't mind.

Also not selecting Shaheen in the Test squad is interesting. They have opted for Mohammad Abbas instead.

Brave stuff, only could happen under Aqib that we are seeing Holy cows getting dropped.

Pakistan’s win against zimbabwe makes me suspect Shadab’s captaincy stint in the Afghan series. The whole badshah wazeer comments stank up the room too. I have been hearing stuff like players are okay to lose games for their own objectives. Heart wrenching to see lack of national pride.

Im glad things are changing for the better.

 

[RidiculousMan]

Sajid should have been there as he was a man of the series. People like naseem shah are selected with no prior performances.

MoTM means nothing. Conditions aren't ideal for spinners. Naseem is going to bowl on seam friendly conditions not a road.

It was touch and go. They have opted for Noman who had better average and economy than Sajid vs England, took an extra wicket and also overall has more experience

 

[Slim]

MoTM means nothing. Conditions aren't ideal for spinners. Naseem is going to bowl on seam friendly conditions not a road.

It was touch and go. They have opted for Noman who had better average and economy than Sajid vs England, took an extra wicket and also overall has more experience

Sajid got that dawg in him. So does noman chacha. Whats so bad in taking one extra player?

 

[RidiculousMan]

Sajid got that dawg in him. So does noman chacha. Whats so bad in taking one extra player?

What's the point of taking an extra player if only one has a chance to play? Otherwise it will be 4 option seam attack

 

[Slim]

What's the point of taking an extra player if only one has a chance to play? Otherwise it will be 4 option seam attack

I havent seen Sajid or Noman’s list A stats but i was thinking about what if we try them in ODIs. They are definitely superior bowlers than Abrar mistri.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Salman should have been dropped from T20s

Good to see no Haseebullah in the white-ball squad.. he is pathetic

 

[Slim]

Salman should have been dropped from T20s

Good to see no Haseebullah in the white-ball squad.. he is pathetic

Im guessing you are one of the folks who wanted Saim Ayub dropped too before the Australia series? You need to have some patience with young players. After all we had mountains of patience for Babar and Rizwan and yet they are still in the t20 squad.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Im guessing you are one of the folks who wanted Saim Ayub dropped too before the Australia series? You need to have some patience with young players. After all we had mountains of patience for Babar and Rizwan and yet they are still in the t20 squad.

Saim has earned his place. Had he failed, I would still wanted him to be dropped but in the absence of Fakhar, we need him opening in all formats now because I don't trust Abdullah and farhan type players.

 

[Junaids]

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

· “Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20I series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent,” says the interim white-ball head coach

· Pakistan to play three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests from 10 December to 7 January

Lahore, 4 December 2024:

The Pakistan men’s selection committee has 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.

Babar Azam has been named in all three squads along with Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha, while Naseem Shah has been selected for the Tests and ODIs. Shaheen Shah Afridi, who also missed the last two Tests against England, has been picked for the white-ball matches as part of his workload management so that he is in his best fitness and form for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.

Also returning to the Test side is fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who last played in Jamaica in August 2021. Abbas, who has taken 90 wickets in 25 Tests, had a stellar Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, claiming 31 wickets in five matches. Naseem Shah has also been named in the four-man pace attack after missing the last two Tests against England. The 21-year-old, who has played 19 Tests since making his debut in November 2019, has taken four wickets to date for Lahore Whites against Peshawar in the ongoing Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match in Abbottabad.

Fast bowler Khurram Shahzad has also been named in the Test side after claiming 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka ‘A’ last month. Mir Hamza is the fourth fast bowler in the 15-man Test squad and is presently playing for Peshawar against Lahore Whites in Abbottabad.

However, off-spinner Sajid Khan has missed out on selection despite his 19 wickets against England. The selectors, after taking into consideration the Centurion and Newlands conditions as well as South Africa as the opposition, have opted for only one specialist spinner in Noman Ali, who took 20 wickets against England and has 67 wickets in 17 Tests.

Also earning the selectors nod for the first time in ODIs is Sufyan Moqim, the left-arm wrist spinner who has taken eight wickets in two T20Is, including five wickets for three runs in the second T20I.

The T20I squad will depart for South Africa on Friday, 6 December, after Thursday’s third T20I against Zimbabwe, while the ODI and Test players will depart for Johannesburg on 13 December. Pakistan men’s red-ball head coach Jason Gillespie will also arrive in Johannesburg on 13 December to supervise the pre-Test series camp.

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)

Aqib Javed, member selection committee and interim white-ball head coach:

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

“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.

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

“Our aim is to maintain consistency in ODI selections as part of our ICC Champions Trophy 2025 preparations, while also giving emerging talent opportunities in T20Is alongside experienced players. For Tests, we have focused on assembling a squad that can adapt to challenging conditions and consistently compete at the highest level.

“The Test series against South Africa will be highly competitive, but we are confident in our team’s ability to secure a historic series win. Our focus in ODIs is to continue building momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy, while the T20I series provides a platform to blend experience with emerging talent.”

The series will begin with the first T20I in Durban on 10 December, followed by the first ODI in Paarl on 17 December. The Test matches will be hosted at Centurion and in Cape Town on 26 December and 3 January, respectively.

Tour schedule:

10 Dec – First T20I, Durban
13 Dec – Second T20I, Centurion
14 Dec – Third T20I, Johannesburg
17 Dec – First ODI, Paarl
19 Dec – Second ODI, Cape Town
22 Dec – Third ODI, Johannesburg
26-30 Dec – First Test, Centurion
3-7 Jan – Second Test, Cape Town

Complete

Test attack has no enforcer I would have punted on Haris but I guess Aqib did not want to take a risk with Champions Trophy around the corner

Utter madness.

South Africa’s 6’6 left-arm fast-medium bowler just took 11 wickets in a home Test.

Anyone with half a brain would take Shaheen even if only as a net bowler.

But you rest a bowler from an Elite Blue Riband Test series that is winnable, so he can rest for an irrelevant trivial 50 over tournament.

If you’re leaving out Shaheen at least select Amir. But this?

Madness.

 

[mango_bite77]

Shocking to see no Fakhar in white ball and No shaheen in Test squad.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Shocking to see no Fakhar in white ball and No shaheen in Test squad.

Fakhar okay,,, Shaheen ??? Why???

He deserved to be dropped/rested

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

I knew they'd only select one of Sajid and Noman for South Africa Test tour. Cause no point in selecting spinners in the best seam friendly conditions. They have opted for the experience of Noman Ali which I don't mind.

Also not selecting Shaheen in the Test squad is interesting. They have opted for Mohammad Abbas instead.

Bro is sajid dropped permanently or will he be back vs windies series plz confirm this i am quite upset him not getting selected.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Bro is sajid dropped permanently or will he be back vs windies series plz confirm this i am quite upset him not getting selected.

He will be back for sure. South Africa is generally not that supporting towards spin so both noman and sajid were not needed there... noman has more experience that is why he was given preference.

 

[gazza619]

Expecting a justice for Sajid Khan thread to kick off sponsored by Baba Saigol.

 

[Xoib]

I would have gone for Sajid over Noman purely on the fact Sajid is regularly playing FC so is in rhythm while Noman last game were the England tests

 

[mango_bite77]

Fakhar okay,,, Shaheen ??? Why???

He deserved to be dropped/rested

Shaheen is best suited for SA pitches. Just realised Sajid too is dropped. I understand they can't have 2 spinners in the playing 11 but dropping him from entire squad is injustice.

 

[Chip32]

Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shehzad? I barely follow cricket anymore, but surely there's better options than this. Abbas was struggling to bowl quicker than 125 kph the last time he played, which was like 2 years ago, what's he going to do now? No international batsman is ever going to be troubled by anything at that speed.

3 medium pacers on a tour to SA...

 

[Ijaz Ahmed07]

The way the Media were saying Iman Ul Haq will definitely tour like they knew something is very funny.

 

[m.shah]

How can you leave him any reason plz guys i am really upset on this why have they dropped him

Bro is sajid dropped permanently or will he be back vs windies series plz confirm this i am quite upset him not getting selected.

Lol be easy. He will be back

 

[m.shah]

They should have selected some new guy instead of Abbass.
Shehzad, Naseem, Hamza and Jamal will be pace attack.

 

[DeadlyVenom]

I actually like the fact they haven't selected Sajid.

It shows they are trying to prepare as best as possible for the conditions rather than select based on good vibes and nostalgia.

It's a decent squad overall, they have picked the best available players.

 

[kingusama92]

Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shehzad? I barely follow cricket anymore, but surely there's better options than this. Abbas was struggling to bowl quicker than 125 kph the last time he played, which was like 2 years ago, what's he going to do now? No international batsman is ever going to be troubled by anything at that speed.

3 medium pacers on a tour to SA...

Khurram Shahzad is probably their best Test bowler. He's been in great form recently.

The other two are iffy choices. Mohammad Abbas was not good the last time he went to SA but I suppose he's been one of the best bowlers in FC cricket. Mir Hamza was one of their best FC bowlers last season.

Khurram Shahzad
Naseem Shah
Aamer Jamal
Mir Hamza/Noman Ali
Agha

I'm guessing that will be the bowling attack. I would have liked a tall, hit-the-deck pacer instead of Mir Hamza/Abbas as the third pacer. Not sure who would fit the bill.

 

[Kianig89]

So Sahibzada Farhan is axed from all squads.

Inclusion of Abbas is ok as we need experience in Test cricket than handing out random debuts.

SSA dropped / rested shows what his priorities are , finished in Test cricket.

Haseebullah picked in red ball cricket shows he is the ultimate no. 2 for Rizwan.
Rohail Nazir AzamKhan needs to work harder.

Leaving Sajid makes sense considering the pitches you need 1 spinner to contain things and Noman fits that role.

Inclusion of UsmanKhan is questionable though still give him some games may he the fluke can work.

1 min silence for Sharjeel Khan and Asif Ali advocates @Rana @mominsaigol @emranabbas who failed to find a place even in fringe category or standby category for all important tour.

 

[Sunny_majoka]

I actually like the fact they haven't selected Sajid.

It shows they are trying to prepare as best as possible for the conditions rather than select based on good vibes and nostalgia.

It's a decent squad overall, they have picked the best available players.

I must say, I've started to appreciate Aqib, particularly how he's been making tough decisions

 

[Kianig89]

So Naseem, Abbas & Khurram will lead the attack. Team may look like

Saim
Shafiq
Shan *
Babar
Saud
Rizwan+
Jamal
Naseem
Nouman
Abbas
Khurram
----------------
Not bad given the circumstances how dreadful our test team has been

 

[Hellion]

Uber trundling attack. Will probably be the slowest attack to tour South Africa in years.

 

[masterblaster]

Faisal Akram did not deserve to be dropped. Where is Aamir Jamal?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

So Naseem, Abbas & Khurram will lead the attack. Team may look like

Saim
Shafiq
Shan *
Babar
Saud
Rizwan+
Jamal
Naseem
Nouman
Abbas
Khurram
----------------
Not bad given the circumstances how dreadful our test team has been

Yeah this is the probable eleven. Though think they might consider Agha over Noman, or Mir Hamza over both based on the pitch.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Not sure why Faisal akram was dropped from the ODI squad. HE should have been there.

 

[Hawkeye]

Who’s the happiest guy?

Salman Ali Agha.

Super mediocre yet enjoying a free ride in ALL THREE formats. He has no business playing any type of white ball cricket. Can stick to Tests if he performs there.

Also,
What the hell Babar and RIZWAN are doing in T20s?

Aqib continues to stick to these statpadders in their weakest format. We could have gone with upcoming batting talent suitable for hitting pace bowlers. Only way to uncover T20 dashers is to try new faces.

Very disappointed.

Test squad is overall as expected - batting is OK/average, bowling is below average.

 

[Xoib]

Khurram Shahzad is probably their best Test bowler. He's been in great form recently.

The other two are iffy choices. Mohammad Abbas was not good the last time he went to SA but I suppose he's been one of the best bowlers in FC cricket. Mir Hamza was one of their best FC bowlers last season.

Khurram Shahzad
Naseem Shah
Aamer Jamal
Mir Hamza/Noman Ali
Agha

I'm guessing that will be the bowling attack. I would have liked a tall, hit-the-deck pacer instead of Mir Hamza/Abbas as the third pacer. Not sure who would fit the bill.

There were couple of seamers who looked interesting in the QEA trophy but it’s difficult to conclude anything from 30 -60 second clips unless Haris was ready to play they had very little choice

 

[Omer2002]

Can I ask why saud shakeel is not in odi and Abdullah shafique or Usman Khan are included?

I back usman but not > Saud

And Abdullah? Great another parchi who hides behind the nonsense opening clause.

Misbah = Captaincy clause

Rizwan = Keeping clause

Abdullah = Opening clause.

Unbelievable lanats

Explain how is Abdullah is a parchi? he has no contacts what so ever. The guy scored a century on his first class and t20 debut and has done well. Look at his test average nearly 40 and first class average of nearly 50 this is after his dip in form.
Clearly he needs to work on his game like anybody else but beggars cant be choosers.

 

[AAli98]

Target 1 win in each format don’t come back with the usual big fat blob they normally do.

 

[Hawkeye]

Explain how is Abdullah is a parchi? he has no contacts what so ever. The guy scored a century on his first class and t20 debut and has done well. Look at his test average nearly 40 and first class average of nearly 50 this is after his dip in form.
Clearly he needs to work on his game like anybody else but beggars cant be choosers.

Abdullah is an upgrade over Imam who people actually call parchi.

He has a fine record and proven himself to be given more chances. He’s there on merit.

However he’s not the ideal white ball opener as per today’s standards and has to really improve his strike rate.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

So Shaheen is rested for test matches but not for meaningless T20Is?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Abdullah is an upgrade over Imam who people actually call parchi.

He has a fine record and proven himself to be given more chances. He’s there on merit.

However he’s not the ideal white ball opener as per today’s standards and has to really improve his strike rate.

His biggest problem like most other PAK batters is strike-rotation. If he learned to do that consistently then I think his SR would automatically go up.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shehzad? I barely follow cricket anymore, but surely there's better options than this. Abbas was struggling to bowl quicker than 125 kph the last time he played, which was like 2 years ago, what's he going to do now? No international batsman is ever going to be troubled by anything at that speed.

3 medium pacers on a tour to SA...

...there aren't.

 

[Omer2002]

Abdullah is an upgrade over Imam who people actually call parchi.

He has a fine record and proven himself to be given more chances. He’s there on merit.

However he’s not the ideal white ball opener as per today’s standards and has to really improve his strike rate.

absolutely i dont understand how he got in the white ball team myself but thats not his fault is it. Clearly PCB dont have any faith in anybody else

 

[Katwalindian]

Khuraam shehzad will wreck havoc on these SA pitches if he stayed fit.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Khuraam shehzad will wreck havoc on these SA pitches if he stayed fit.

Both him and Abbas could be lethal there

 

[Hitman]

Whatever be the result, I'll enjoy the Test and ODI legs of the tour to the fullest.

 

[khyberlion]

Arafrat Minhas dropped without getting a game.

 

[mominsaigol]

Explain how is Abdullah is a parchi? he has no contacts what so ever. The guy scored a century on his first class and t20 debut and has done well. Look at his test average nearly 40 and first class average of nearly 50 this is after his dip in form.
Clearly he needs to work on his game like anybody else but beggars cant be choosers.

Yes he does. Babar literally admitted to fast tracking him into the team due to SNGPL connections followed by the fact that he fell in love with Abdullah's technique.

A guy with 7 List A's was fast tracked to become Pakistan's priemere opener for a world cup replacing fakhar lol.

He's one of the worst test, odi and t20 batters I have ever seen in my life, and I lose all respect for anyone who advocates for this rubbish.

And it's a shame because a year ago I backed him and saud shakeel to become future superstars but I didn't realise that he'd be a mental midget.

I back saud shakeel though. Class test act.

 

[RidiculousMan]

I havent seen Sajid or Noman’s list A stats but i was thinking about what if we try them in ODIs. They are definitely superior bowlers than Abrar mistri.

Their list A has not been that impressive as of late. Let them focus on Test. You have got Abrar, Sufyan, Arafat, Mehran and Faisal for white ball

 

[RidiculousMan]

I would have gone for Sajid over Noman purely on the fact Sajid is regularly playing FC so is in rhythm while Noman last game were the England tests

Maybe Noman was conveyed that he'll go on South Africa tour and was perhaps resting

 

[khyberlion]

Salman in all formats? He's clearly not a t20 player at least.

 

[gazza619]

So Naseem, Abbas & Khurram will lead the attack. Team may look like

Saim
Shafiq
Shan *
Babar
Saud
Rizwan+
Jamal
Naseem
Nouman
Abbas
Khurram
----------------
Not bad given the circumstances how dreadful our test team has been

I think the management will defo have Agha at no.7. So it seems like Noman Ali will have to make way.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

His biggest problem like most other PAK batters is strike-rotation. If he learned to do that consistently then I think his SR would automatically go up.

Bingo. It's a fundamental part of the ODI game and this guy plays way too many dots upfront.

Harry Brook rotates strike better in Test matches than this guy does in ODIs.

 

[Muhammad Saad]

looks like it's raining Chinamen in Pakistan , Huzaifa seems to have the highest ceiling among Sufyan , Faisal and him. He's got the highest revs with good pace and control.

 

[ghalib kichlu]

Abbas with a 46 average against South africa and salman ali agha in all formats
Naqvi has a real eye for spotting talent
Abbas should do a similar job to saj in South agrica tbh, he has a very good economy and completes his overs very quickly too

 

[m.shah]

Arafrat Minhas dropped without getting a game.

That is stupid. He is the player I have high hopes from

 

[m.shah]

That is stupid. He is the player I have high hopes from

Arafat over Agha in T20 and odis anyday

 

[BouncerGuy]

Arafat would be feeling too unlucky that he got sidelined without a single game. But Salman made his way into the T20 who did nothing

 

[Major]

How can you leave him any reason plz guys i am really upset on this why have they dropped him

Because series is being played in south africa, not Pakistan

South african pitches have seam and bounce and they are no use for spinners. Having two spinners in SA is useless because the pitch will offer them nothing.

Either of Nouman was gonna get selected or Sajid, only one guy. Nouman was the obvious choice due to him being a left arm spinner.

Focus will be on the pace bowlers, its good that Abbas has been called up

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

From all the years of making fun of Indian fast spinners to reaching a day when we don't have a single fast bowler capable to break 140 kph regularly while their bench warmers are faster/better than our main ones has to be one of the biggest ironies of cricket.

Ihsanullah is such a big miss, he was really gold but we will probably never see him bowl again at international level.

Also, not a single tall bowler in the squad, the last time we went there even though we were trampled but at least we had Irfan to show. This year it's just "under 5 10' squad".

 

[Xoib]

Abbas with a 46 average against South africa and salman ali agha in all formats
Naqvi has a real eye for spotting talent
Abbas should do a similar job to saj in South agrica tbh, he has a very good economy and completes his overs very quickly too

Abbas played that series right after a major shoulder surgery I think Abbas can do a job here and this could be a really decent attack if we have a 140 plus pacer maybe Naseem could be forced to forget line and length rubbish and go flat out in short spells while others do the bulk bowling

 

[Rana]

When I see Rizwan and Babar’s name in the T20 squad

What’s the bloody point? What do you think they will do?

 

[gazza619]

When I see Rizwan and Babar’s name in the T20 squad

What’s the bloody point? What do you think they will do?

To be honest I was surprised to see king in the T20 squad.

 

[Aviator]

On one hand revolutionary aquib talks about horses for courses on the other he has filled up half the squad with donkeys..
What has abdullah shafique done to keep his spot?
An out of form fakhar zaman is better than in-form abdullah shafique... I hope the South African bowlers put an end to his misery..

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Because series is being played in south africa, not Pakistan

South african pitches have seam and bounce and they are no use for spinners. Having two spinners in SA is useless because the pitch will offer them nothing.

Either of Nouman was gonna get selected or Sajid, only one guy. Nouman was the obvious choice due to him being a left arm spinner.

Focus will be on the pace bowlers, its good that Abbas has been called up

So sajid career is over wow what a respect talent this is parchi system for you

 

[Rana]

To be honest I was surprised to see king in the T20 squad.

Who is king?

 

[Kianig89]

So RizBar has held the system hostage therefore in T20 squad

Not good signs with WC long way , RizBar should have been phased out

 

[Kianig89]

It will be quite a sight, seeing Pakistan bowlers trundle in Rainbow Nation.
speeds
Abbas 120kph~128kph
Khurram 125kph~132kph
Hamza 119kph~127kph
Naseem 128kph~138kph

 

[Markhor]

- Lacking 1-2 genuine quicks with high release points who can force SA's batsmen onto the backfoot (making fuller length more lethal). Ihsanullah could've fitted the bill but he's on injury list.

Seems selectors decided in absence of such options to select proven FC seamers which's understandable - but Abbas still a curious recall. 34 years old (officially) and if one argument against Shaheen is his drop in pace - unsure how Abbas is the solution unless you're wanting more control or a backup for injury prone Khurram Shehzad.

- Batting options are also limited with almost every PAK batter sitting ducks against high pace and bounce. I'd move Abdullah to #3 to hide his deficiencies against the new ball and pair Saim and Shan with license to attack instead of latter coming in at 10-1 after 10 overs.

- Babar's recall is curious having not played a single FC match since his drop. Would've made more sense if he piled on the runs in QEA.

- Tempted to play Noman. Not necessarily solely for his spin but his lower order runs (which are vital in SA). They may play Babar as the extra batter instead, but I feel Jamal as the 3rd pacer is risky with his high economy and injury record. Therefore a possible lineup:

Saim
Shan
Abdullah
Saud
Agha
Rizwan
Jamal
Noman
Naseem
Hamza
Khurram

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

- Lacking 1-2 genuine quicks with high release points who can force SA's batsmen onto the backfoot (making fuller length more lethal). Ihsanullah could've fitted the bill but he's on injury list.

Seems selectors decided in absence of such options to select proven FC seamers which's understandable - but Abbas still a curious recall. 34 years old (officially) and if one argument against Shaheen is his drop in pace - unsure how Abbas is the solution unless you're wanting more control or a backup for injury prone Khurram Shehzad.

- Batting options are also limited with almost every PAK batter sitting ducks against high pace and bounce. I'd move Abdullah to #3 to hide his deficiencies against the new ball and pair Saim and Shan with license to attack instead of latter coming in at 10-1 after 10 overs.

- Babar's recall is curious having not played a single FC match since his drop. Would've made more sense if he piled on the runs in QEA.

- Tempted to play Noman. Not necessarily solely for his spin but his lower order runs (which are vital in SA). They may play Babar as the extra batter instead, but I feel Jamal as the 3rd pacer is risky with his high economy and injury record. Therefore a possible lineup:

Saim
Shan
Abdullah
Saud
Agha
Rizwan
Jamal
Noman
Naseem
Hamza
Khurram

You can't drop Babar in a single match. He and Rizwan are the only truly world-class batters in this squad that have the ability to score on these wickets.

 

[followed]

Lol hahah now mir the trundler hamza won't be alone in bowling those 120ks thunderbolts he will have Abbas with him as well.

South africa will be shaking with fear to face those fast bowlers.

Poor bowling lineup. South africa will destroy them