South Africa (183/9) secure an 11-run victory against Pakistan (172/8) in the 1st T20I to go 1-0 up in the 3-match series

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan is all set to face South Africa in an all-format series for the first time since 2019, which will begin with the first of three T20Is on Tuesday at the Kingsmead Stadium in Durban. Pakistan’s T20I squad reached Durban on Friday and has taken part in two training sessions.

The second and third T2oIs are scheduled to take place on 13 and 14 December at the SuperSport Park, Centurion and The Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg, respectively. The three ODIs will take place on 17, 19 and 22 December followed by the Centurion Test on 26 December and Cape Town Test on 3 January.

Pakistan’s T20I squad, which was announced on 4 December, has seen the return of regular white-ball captain Mohammad Rizwan, who was rested during the Zimbabwe T20I series. Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Shaheen Shah Afridi have also returned to the T20I squad after missing the Zimbabwe series.

Pakistan have won the last two bilateral T20I series between the both nations, beating South Africa at home in February 2021 by 2-1 and then in their backyard by 3-1 in April 2021.

Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s T20I captain:

“We have been on the road since last month and this is our third successive overseas tour, which has made the unit more proactive in terms of the preparations and getting used to the local conditions as soon as possible.

“The return of Babar, Naseem and Shaheen to the white-ball squads is a welcome development for the team and with a fine blend of youth and experience, we look forward to do our best against South Africa in this T20I series before the focus shifts to the other two formats.

“The wickets in South Africa will challenge us but at the same time our pacers will benefit from the conditions as well. With the help of Allah, we are eager to continue the winning momentum from the last tour against Zimbabwe.”

Pakistan T20I squad: 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)

South Africa T20I squad: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen

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[RidiculousMan]

Waiting for the XI to be announced a day before

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Mohammad Rizwan in a recent PCB interview shared following thoughts:

It doesn't matter which team had played where and what has been their performance in the past. The same applies for them and us. Alhumdulilah, we did well in Australia and Zimbabwe and now are facing a tough series challenge here in South Africa. So hopefully our lads will replicate the form of Australia and Zimbabwe here

Q: Your views on your side's youngsters?

Our youngsters have always been talented, and they come here after performing in Shaheens (matches), Pakistan's first-class domestic matches, and the events like the ongoing Champions Cup comprising five teams. So the bunch of players, coming from there, have been afforded opportunities in the Australia and Zimbabwe series, and thankfully we have discovered new (talented) players because of it. And the best part here that many don't observe is the booming bond between senior and junior players. Seniors are assigning different roles and giving valuable tips to the juniors heading back home so they (juniors) could work on those areas for their improvement, and this would be really helpful for them in their international careers ahead. Juniors and seniors are also sharing their experiences with each other, and I am hopeful that this will result in a wonderful (team) combination.

Q: Thoughts on playing series at overseas venues:

Playing series on overseas venues is always challenging. In home conditions, you have the support and backing of the crowd. Also, you are familiar with the pitch conditions there, but such luxuries are not available on away tours.

But as professionals, the Pakistan players performed really well in Australia and Zimbabwe, although conditions and requirements were really different at both venues. So the things that we have learned in these (recent) tours, we would try to apply them here (in South Africa), although it is a different country with different pitch surfaces. Here it (the ball) bounces more as compared to Asian surfaces, so it would be challenging, but as a professional, we would try to cope with it with some good performance.

Q: On preparations for the Champions Trophy:

The Champions Trophy and T20 World Cup 2026 are still quite a ways away at the moment. We definitely have some targets set in mind for these upcoming events that would be played in Asia in Asian conditions. But our current squad has been formed bearing in mind the South Africa conditions, and we are focused on it (the South Africa series). But I have great hopes for the current bunch (of players) that will help us in forming the 18-member squad for the upcoming mega events in the future.

 

[Cricket Warrior]

with such Pak lineup we cant expect any single win on this tour.

 

[Omer2002]

Pak wil get destroyed in all 3 formats unfortunately

 

[alishahid]

Saim Ayub
Rizwan
Babar
Usman
Salman
Irfan
Jahandad
Abbas
Shaheen
Rauf
Muqeem

Sadly the probable line up for tomo

But ideal line up for tomo should be

Saim
Omair
Usman
Rizwan
Tayyab
Irfan
Jahandad
Abbas
Shaheen
Rauf
Muqeem

 

[shamaan]

Saim Ayub
Rizwan
Babar
Usman Khan
Tayyab tahir
Irfan Khan
Janhadad Khan
Abbas Afridi
Shaheen
Rauf
Muqeem

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

Pak wil get destroyed in all 3 formats unfortunately

Ya you guys always say this rubbish still pak has got great white ball record in sa they won their white ball series last time there.

 

[mominsaigol]

Ya you guys always say this rubbish still pak has got great white ball record in sa they won their white ball series last time there.

I can see pakistan beating sa in odi.

T20 and test? Idk about t20 but test no shot in hell.

Test is about who is superior in one particular aspect that typically determines the outcome.

For example when pakistan were curating roads, they were losing mainly because pakistan is incapable of outbatting any opposition. Especially England with Brooks around.

However they won 2nd and 3rd test due to curating spin pitches and pakistan's 2 spinners sajid and nouman are > English rubbish spinners like Rehan Ahmed.

In SA the main factor is pace. The faster you are the better. Line amd length matters as well. Pakistan is brutally outmatched in pace considering the likes of Mir Hamza bowl at women speeds.

 

[Omer2002]

Ya you guys always say this rubbish still pak has got great white ball record in sa they won their white ball series last time there.

They won 2 1 in onedays against zim and same in t20s now thats who we should be playing

 

[Rana]

Makes me sick in my stomach to think Rizwan will open again in T20s

 

[gazza619]

Riz has fantastic numbers against SA. Average 54 with a healthy strike rate of 143. Common kaptaana.

 

[Rana]

If Rizwan has a sr of 140in SA it means par for proper batsmen is 200

A t20 fraud like Rizwan striking this in SA means the tracks are absolute belters. We know this is a fraud who strikes at 100-110

 

[gazza619]

If Rizwan has a sr of 140in SA it means par for proper batsmen is 200

A t20 fraud like Rizwan striking this in SA means the tracks are absolute belters. We know this is a fraud who strikes at 100-110

Travis Head SR is 169 in SA.

Jos Buttler SR is 152 in SA.

Lets be honest. Riz’s numbers are pretty good for Pakistani standards.

 

[Rana]

Travis Head SR is 169 in SA.

Jos Buttler SR is 152 in SA.

Lets be honest. Riz’s numbers are pretty good for Pakistani standards.

Do I care?

 

[Rana]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866219140622745959

If me and @mominsaigol say Sharjeel and Fakhar, we are crazy apparently

 

[gazza619]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866219140622745959

If me and @mominsaigol say Sharjeel and Fakhar, we are crazy apparently

This is 2024, not 2017.

And whose tweet you are quoting. Sohaib Nobody Maqsood.

 

[BouncerGuy]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866219140622745959

If me and @mominsaigol say Sharjeel and Fakhar, we are crazy apparently

Brother, you will never be satisfied I think. We tried Omair, Saim, Farhan Usman and result is right in front of you. Fakhar for sure, 100% should be there but you mentioning no other name apart from Sharjell every time is crazy.

Pakistan has no replacement for Babar and riz apart form Sharjeel (washed up guy)

 

[mominsaigol]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866219140622745959

If me and @mominsaigol say Sharjeel and Fakhar, we are crazy apparently

Now that an ex cricketers has said this. New narratives will pop up

 

[mominsaigol]

Brother, you will never be satisfied I think. We tried Omair, Saim, Farhan Usman and result is right in front of you. Fakhar for sure, 100% should be there but you mentioning no other name apart from Sharjell every time is crazy.

Pakistan has no replacement for Babar and riz apart form Sharjeel (washed up guy)

How are saim and omair t20 failures? So far they've been good in their short t20 opening duo?

Or are you gonna say it doesn't count because it was against Zimbabwe?

 

[BouncerGuy]

How are saim and omair t20 failures? So far they've been good in their short t20 opening duo?

Or are you gonna say it doesn't count because it was against Zimbabwe?

Saim should not be among them. Rest is pathetic.

 

[mominsaigol]

Saim should not be among them. Rest is pathetic.

The most pathetic t20 opener ove ever seen in my lifetime is Muhammad Rizwan.

Sure their are a few worse eggs like farhan etc, however I've never seen a player play over a 100 t20 games and still make 16 of 26 scores in t20.

You would think someone with so much experience would have upped that sr to 140 by now.

I.stead rizzu's sr is quickly dropping by the day. It's now at 125 whereas previously it was 129.

Furthermore that avg which is what people were using as justification has dropped from 51 to 47. Eventually it'll drop below 40 if he keeps playing main strings. Then they'll be no arguments left

 

[BouncerGuy]

I would love to see Fakhar and Saim up top. babar at 3.

TBH For this games, I would like to see Omair and saim open

 

[Omer2002]

Omair is not a white ball player..Fakhar is finished isnt he playing domestic

 

[BouncerGuy]

Fakhar is finished isnt he playing domestic

Yep. He is playing in Champions t20 cup.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Omair is not a white ball player..Fakhar is finished isnt he playing domestic

When did he finish

 

[Sunny_majoka]

If Babar and Rizwan are paired as openers for Pakistan again, it may suggest that the team hasn't adjusted its strategy to improve its chances of winning in T20Is

 

[Deewana Mastana]

If Babar and Rizwan are paired as openers for Pakistan again, it may suggest that the team hasn't adjusted its strategy to improve its chances of winning in T20Is

Both shouldn't be in the same team to start with as it should be one or the other.

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Surprised that Pak haven't announced their playing XI yet as they normally do a day before.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Let's see how Rizwan XI perform today, tbh it's not a difficult series

 

[Deewana Mastana]

Let's see how Rizwan XI perform today, tbh it's not a difficult series

For Pakistan, even Zimbabwe was a difficult series or for a matter of fact any series is regardless of the opposition.

They'll gift a game or two here too.

 

[Omer2002]

Yep. He is playing in Champions t20 cup.

And a great elegant first ball duck by him this morning as expected but lets get him in national team

 

[Omer2002]

When did he finish

Todays innings if u would like to observeor maybe his last one two days ago

 

[emranabbas]

No chance of winning if rizwan is going to open.

 

[khyberlion]

Todays innings if u would like to observeor maybe his last one two days ago

I don't think he's finished. He hasn't played match cricket so a bit rusty. But I do agree even if he's not finished he doesn't have much left. I doubt he will be playing the next WC in 27.

 

[emranabbas]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866219140622745959

If me and @mominsaigol say Sharjeel and Fakhar, we are crazy apparently

@Bewal Express Oh bhai what Is this I'm hearing? Isn't this the same guy you vouch for that knows his cricket?

 

[Kianig89]

Finally proper cricket for Pakistan

 

[The Bald Eagle]

https://twitter.com/x/status/1866219140622745959

If me and @mominsaigol say Sharjeel and Fakhar, we are crazy apparently

Tbh I initially thought you made this tweet but glad it resonates with your views

 

[adi_62941]

T20s are for fun now a days. Winning or losing should not matter unless until we are nearing a T20 WC. ODI and Tests should be our top priority.

 

[gazza619]

I would personally like to see Omair open in all 3 T20s.

Trying youngsters is more important than victory in T20s for me.

But does our impatient nation have an appetite to digest defeat.

 

[Rana]

I would personally like to see Omair open in all 3 T20s.

No you won’t.

 

[emranabbas]

The lineup looks shaky if both Babar and Rizwan are playing. Honestly, I don't see us winning with that setup.

Ideally, Omair and Saim should open, and maybe Babar can come in at 3.

The problem is figuring out where Rizwan fits. I trust Babar more, he'll either get out early or score faster than Rizwan.

and If we open with Babar and Rizwan, we’re basically saying good bye to powerplay advantage.

 

[adi_62941]

Salman ali agha will be under too much pressure to perform in T20s. He cant even play fast bowlers on Pakistan pitches. How will he play them in SAF.

 

[Rana]

If that Rizwan comes to open

I want South Africa to Maul Pakistan! These deserve every defeat each time they make these corrupt moves!

 

[shah9425]

Let's go captain

Win this series

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Guys please refrain from offensive remarks directed at players

 

[Rana]

Tbh I initially thought you made this tweet but glad it resonates with your views

My views? So I am one of the sane people here whereas 99% of the posters are clueless?

 

[mominsaigol]

Guys please refrain from offensive remarks directed at players

The offensive remarks are usually directed ti rizwan.

I agree for Babar it's unfair as not only has he dropped captaincy but lately management has been dropping him from series and he's under pressure. He even gave up his opening spot for saim.

The guy is trying to make amends.

However Rizwan deserves it. You have a player who walked into the team by kicking multiple people out of the team. Followed by very very selfish batting that is reminiscent of Misbah ul Haq. Atleast with Misbah he has the saving grace of being a succesful UAE test batsmen and in his early years he was a decent t20 batter for 2007 standards when t20 was in infancy stages.

Misbah could hide behind the age, reactions, test captaincy clause to justify his selfish odi batting + he was forced to retire from t20 anyway.

Rizwan on the other hand is in the absolute prime of his career. Furthermore the utmost humiliation for him is that rizzu can't even take credit for Aus wins as Aqib Javed isn't letting rizwan choose his playing 15.

I guarantee you pakistan would have badly lost to Aus in odi had this clown selected his playing 11.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

My views? So I am one of the sane people here whereas 99% of the posters are clueless?

Lol I never said that, instead appreciated your cricket wisdom

 

[followed]

Zimbabar shouldn't be playing t20is and rizwan shouldn't play as well but lack of options give these players more chances.

I have seen enough of Farhan, hack Usman and so many other losers.

Fakhar and saim should open for Pakistan though in t20is and odis.

 

[Zapages]

Do we know what channel is playing this in the US? I couldn't find anything on espn+ as they are show Bangladesh vs West indies. Also willow is showing recap of India or some other t20 leagues.

 

[mominsaigol]

The most rubbish captains are the ones who are selfish + rubbish irrespective of team wins.

I use to believe Bavuma was a good captain but it took Makram a few games to burst that bubble. Sa was 100x stronger without Bavuma and would have been way stronger in wc 2023 had they not had to deal with a walking wicket at the top of the order.

Same with rohit. While I respect rohit during his prime, it took Bumrah one game to prove how misplaced rohit is, as not only is Hitman a walking wicket in tests now, the entire team is lethargic, Chaotic and lacks discipline leading to fines whereas Bumrah was a gun captain in bowling, Field sets and India was a professional unit.

Heck in t20 India seems 100x stronger without rohit.

Rizwan is no different. The entire batting lineup is a Chaotic mess with no planning and the captain himself is useless, especially in t20.

Captaincy is more then just bowler rotation + onfield captaincy. You gotta he a good leader, motivator and keep your performance up.

Its why Rizwan will never be in boot kicking distance of cummins as a captain.

 

[mominsaigol]

As for Babar, I don't mind him. He's whatever for me. I don't mind him in the playing 11. I minded him as a captain and as a t20 opener but it seems he usually goes to no 3 when saim is around and he doesn't even captain leagues anymore

 

[RidiculousMan]

As for Babar, I don't mind him. He's whatever for me. I don't mind him in the playing 11. I minded him as a captain and as a t20 opener but it seems he usually goes to no 3 when saim is around and he doesn't even captain leagues anymore

He's a good no. 3

 

[mominsaigol]

He's a good no. 3

In odi yes. In t20 not really. All his centuries come from the opening spot.

If you read my previous posts, I firmly believe the fakhar + Babar opening duo shouldn't have ever been broken.

Rizwan 200% ruined everything.

Having an accumulator who can strike at 129 to 130 surrounded by 140+ sr batters did wonders for pakistan in t20. In 2018 all the batters surrounding Babar would typically go at 140 sr if they were set.

Problem is you can't have 2 120+ sr batters opening. To top it off before aqib javed you also had morons like chacha in the middle order.

 

[jamie smith]

if rizwan opens then pakistan will struggle to score even 140

 

[jamie smith]

rizwan has been in a decline in white ball cricket since last psl.Aqib should have dropped him to make a statement but he is captain and cant be dropped

 

[RidiculousMan]

if rizwan opens then pakistan will struggle to score even 140

If het gets bowling on leg side. Then 150 SR

If he gets bowling on off side. Then 75 SR

 

[Rana]

rizwan has been in a decline in white ball cricket since last psl.Aqib should have dropped him to make a statement but he is captain and cant be dropped

Aqib will get dropped if he tries to touch Babar and Rizwan

These two have something serious going for them behind the scene

 

[jamie smith]

If het gets bowling on leg side. Then 150 SR

If he gets bowling on off side. Then 75 SR

teams have figured his weakness now. bowl himoutside off and he will not score a single run without the big leg side hack

 

[jamie smith]

Aqib will get dropped if he tries to touch Babar and Rizwan

These two have something serious going for them behind the scene

rizwan with his play in limited overs cricket absolutely sucks.

 

[jamie smith]

In odi yes. In t20 not really. All his centuries come from the opening spot.

If you read my previous posts, I firmly believe the fakhar + Babar opening duo shouldn't have ever been broken.

Rizwan 200% ruined everything.

Having an accumulator who can strike at 129 to 130 surrounded by 140+ sr batters did wonders for pakistan in t20. In 2018 all the batters surrounding Babar would typically go at 140 sr if they were set.

Problem is you can't have 2 120+ sr batters opening. To top it off before aqib javed you also had morons like chacha in the middle order.

pak should always open with omair and saim with babar at .fakhar is 36 now and i doubt if he has enough left in him now

 

[Kianig89]

Go Pakistan go makes us proud

 

[Kianig89]

Saim
Omair
Babar
Usman
TT
Rizwan
JK
Abass
SSA
Rauf
Muqeem

 

[jamie smith]

Saim
Omair
Babar
Usman
TT
Rizwan
JK
Abass
SSA
Rauf
Muqeem

rizwan at 6 is a waste of position.99% of time he will suck all the momentum and ensure the team ends with a below par total.he should seriously consider retirement from t20s at least.he just doesnt have the skills or game forthis format

 

[Rana]

rizwan with his play in limited overs cricket absolutely sucks.

What difference has this truth made in 5 years? Nothing changes. This group of players is continuously backed and is rewarded for the failures of others

 

[jamie smith]

What difference has this truth made in 5 years? Nothing changes. This group of players is continuously backed and is rewarded for the failures of others

unfortunately pak cricket is dead evident from the fact that afridi is the only 135 sr player we have produced and he has retired a decade ago when 140 was a safe score in t20s

 

[The Bald Eagle]

Pakistan Playing XI tonight

 

[Rana]

There you go

Babar and Rizwan will open

 

[emranabbas]

Saim
Omair
Babar
Usman
TT
Rizwan
JK
Abass
SSA
Rauf
Muqeem

I mostly agree with this lineup, but does Rizwan have the ability to attack from ball one?

He tends to struggle during the powerplay when only two fielders are outside the 30 yard circle, he be walking wicket if 5 fielders are on the boundary.

I’d prefer to send him in after Muqeem.

Abbas, SSA, and Rauf can contribute with a few big hits if necessary don't think rizwan can.

 

[Rana]

InshaAllah South Africa absolutely tear this team!

 

[Rana]

Saim at 3

This is the level of besharmi you Idiotic fans wanted when jumping up and down for Rizwan as captain!

 

[emranabbas]

Pakistan Playing XI tonight
View attachment 148405

What the hell is this?

Only 4 batsmen? And whats with 2 spinners?

 

[jamie smith]

Pakistan Playing XI tonight
View attachment 148405

i want sa to bat first and score at least 240 today

 

[jamie smith]

Pakistan Playing XI tonight
View attachment 148405

wth why 2 spinners and basically playing with 4 batsman 5 bowlers and 2 tailenders in rizwan and irfan

 

[emranabbas]

wth why 2 spinners and basically playing with 4 batsman 5 bowlers and 2 tailenders in rizwan and irfan

I don't get it either

 

[AAli98]

At least Pak will lose with some dignity with Rizwan & Babas 155 respectable score. Ayub won’t last more than 6 delivery’s.

 

[jamie smith]

Saim at 3

This is the level of besharmi you Idiotic fans wanted when jumping up and down for Rizwan as captain!

i would even take suad or agha in t20s over rizwan

 

[jamie smith]

typical blind rizbar supporter

At least Pak will lose with some dignity with Rizwan & Babas 155 respectable score. Ayub won’t last more than 6 delivery’s.

 

[Aqib_mustafa]

wth why 2 spinners and basically playing with 4 batsman 5 bowlers and 2 tailenders in rizwan and irfan

Sa cant play spin so great decision to go with 2 spinners.