KEY POINTS
- Babar is just nine runs away surpassing Rohit Sharma as leading run-scorer.
- Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf miss out as Salman Agha continues as Pakistan’s captain.
- South Africa rest key stars, with Donovan Ferreira leading a young and dynamic Proteas squad.
RAWALPINDI: The stage is set for an electrifying clash as Pakistan and South Africa renew their rivalry in the shorter format, with the first T20I scheduled at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 28.
After a hard-fought Test series, both sides are eager to make a strong start in the T20 leg of the tour.
Babar Azam Returns, Fakhar and Rauf Miss Out
Pakistan’s selectors have made some bold moves ahead of the series. Babar Azam, who last played a T20I in December 2024, makes his much-awaited return, while Naseem Shah also rejoins the squad.
However, the exclusions of Fakhar Zaman and Haris Rauf have raised eyebrows among fans.
Captain Salman Agha has been retained as skipper despite questions over his leadership during the Asia Cup.
With Pakistan winning three of their last five T20Is, the focus will be on consistency and finding their ideal combination before the 2026 T20 World Cup.
Young Proteas Led by Donovan Ferreira
For South Africa, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, and Marco Jansen have been rested, giving Donovan Ferreira the opportunity to lead a youthful side.
The visitors are aiming to rebuild after a mixed run of results, but names like Dewald Brevis and Reeza Hendricks bring plenty of promise.
Head-to-Head
Pakistan and South Africa have met 24 times in T20Is, with the record evenly balanced at 12 wins each.
The Rawalpindi pitch promises another high-scoring affair, with both teams eyeing the edge in this crucial opening encounter.
Players to Watch
Babar Azam (PAK): The star batter is on the brink of a new milestone, with 4223 runs in 121 innings at an average of 39.83 and a strike rate of 129.22. His consistency and calm presence at the crease will be key for Pakistan.
Currently, Rohit Sharma (IND) is the leading run scorer in T20I with 4231. Babar Azam needs only nine more runs to become the highest run-scorer in T20 internationals.
Pitch and Conditions
The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to be flat, favouring batters. Under lights, pacers might get slight movement early on, but dew will make batting easier in the second innings. Teams are likely to prefer chasing.
Weather: Clear skies are forecast, with temperatures around 23°C, humidity at 53%, and gentle winds at 14 kmph, ideal conditions for cricket.
Pakistan:
- Ayub, S. Farhan, B. Azam, Salman Ali Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hassan Nawaz, Muhammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Sheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock, R. Rickelton (wk), R. Hendricks, M. Breetzke, D. Brevis, D. Ferreira (c), G. Linde, C. Bosch, N. Burger, L. Ngidi, O. Baartman
Match Prediction
Pakistan’s experienced bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, gives them a slight edge, especially in home conditions. However, South Africa’s fearless young batters, including Brevis and Hendricks, could pose a serious threat.
