South Africa and Pakistan. | (Credits: Twitter)
Pakistan and South Africa will lock horns in what will be a low-key T20I series, but will serve as a key preparation for the 2026 T20 World Cup set to be hosted by Sri Lanka, with the first game set to take place on December 10 in Durban. While Pakistan are coming off a confident series win in Zimbabwe, the Proteas’ last series in the format saw them lose to India at home.
The Proteas have also rested the likes of Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj and Kagsio Rabada for the T20I leg, but they will return for the 50-over games as it will prepare them for the Champions Trophy 2025. Hence, Heinrich Klaasen will take over as the skipper in T20Is. However, South Africa will welcome the return of Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi. Nevertheless, question marks remain over Shamsi’s availability as he is currently playing in the Global Super League in Guyana.
Pakistan, on the other hand, are in full strength after testing their bench in Zimbabwe. While the tourists will take confidence from beating Zimbabwe, Australia thrashed them 3-0 Down Under. With Pakistan set to face pace and bounce in South Africa and the Proteas steaming in, it will be interesting to see how they cope.
South Africa vs Pakistan T20I series squads:
South Africa squad: Heinrich Klaasen (capt), 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 squad: Mohammad Rizwan (capt, 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, Usman Khan (wk)
When and where to watch SA vs PAK, 1st T20I in India?
The live telecast of the series will take place on Sports18 1 and Sports18 1 HD channels. Meanwhile, the live streaming will be on Jio Cinema’s app and website.
