KEY POINTS
- Pakistan’s T20 squad will assemble in Islamabad on October 25
- Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah could lose their spots, with Irfan Khan Niazi and Naseem Shah among the possible inclusions
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan are unlikely to feature, while Shaheen Afridi may be rested
ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s T20I squad is making final preparations ahead of their upcoming three-match series against South Africa, with the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) official announcement expected soon.
According to insiders, the Pakistan squad will assemble in Islamabad on October 25, before holding a joint training session with the South African team on October 26.
The teams are set to begin their preparations for the series that promises to be a thrilling contest.
The first T20I match will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 28, with the second and third games scheduled for October 31 and November 1 at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The series will be a white-ball spectacle, and fans are eagerly awaiting the action, with ticket sales already underway and generating significant excitement.
Potential Squad Changes
Reports suggest that Pakistan may make two to three changes to their T20I squad for the series.
Hussain Talat and Khushdil Shah are believed to be at risk of losing their spots, with Irfan Khan Niazi and Naseem Shah strong contenders to take their places in the squad.
These changes are expected to bring fresh energy to the team as they aim to build on recent successes.
While Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, two of Pakistan’s key players, are typically reliable in T20I matches, sources have revealed they are unlikely to feature in the series.
The team management is considering resting Shaheen Afridi to manage his workload in preparation for upcoming international engagements.
The potential absence of these star players could open doors for others to step up and make an impact in the series.
Balanced History Sets the Stage for a Thrilling Encounter
Pakistan and South Africa have faced off in 24 T20I matches over the years, with both teams winning 12 games each, making their head-to-head record perfectly balanced.
This sets the stage for an exciting and competitive series, with both sides looking to break the tie and claim victory in this high-stakes encounter.
With fresh talent emerging and key players rested, the upcoming series promises to be a memorable chapter in Pakistan’s T20I history.
