South Africa and Pakistan will aim to reverse their recent struggles in T20 internationals as they face off in a three-match series starting Tuesday. Both teams, runners-up in the last two ICC Men’s T20 World Cups—South Africa in 2024 and Pakistan in 2022—have seen a decline in form in recent bilateral series.
South Africa endured a 3-1 series defeat to world champions India at home, while Pakistan, despite managing a 2-1 win against Zimbabwe, suffered a humiliating 3-0 loss to Australia in November.
Leadership Changes and Rested Players
As per the reports of Leaders sources, the Proteas will be led by stand-in captain Heinrich Klaasen, with Aiden Markram rested for the Test leg of Pakistan’s tour. Meanwhile, Pakistan has opted to rest star pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi from the Tests to manage his workload ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy 2025.
Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s new limited-overs captain, returns to lead the T20 squad after sitting out the white-ball series against Zimbabwe.
Match Schedule
- First T20: Tuesday, December 10, 6 PM (16:00 GMT) at Sahara Stadium, Kingsmead, Durban
- Second T20: Friday, December 13, 6 PM (16:00 GMT) at SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Third T20: Saturday, December 14, 6 PM (16:00 GMT) at The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
A Competitive Rivalry
The two teams share a rich history in T20 cricket, having first faced off in February 2007. Of their 22 T20 clashes, Pakistan has a slight edge with 12 victories, while South Africa has won 10.
According to the sources of Leaders, both sides are looking to bounce back after disappointing runs since their respective T20 World Cup final appearances. South Africa has lost three of its last four bilateral series, including a 3-0 defeat to the West Indies and a 3-1 loss to India. Pakistan’s struggles have been similarly pronounced, with only two series wins out of six, including losses to England, Afghanistan, and New Zealand.
Key Players and Squad Updates
South Africa will be missing several key players, including Aiden Markram, Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada. However, fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi return to bolster the squad.
South Africa 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.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has brought back Rizwan and Babar Azam to strengthen their lineup. Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace attack alongside Haris Rauf, while Naseem Shah misses out.
Pakistan Squad:
Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Haris Rauf, Jahandad Khan, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Irfan Khan, Omair Bin Yousuf, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan.
A Chance for Redemption
With both teams eager to regain their footing in the T20 format, this series promises to be a thrilling contest. The spotlight will be on how the two sides manage their star players and adapt to the challenges ahead.
