DURBAN, South Korea: South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening match of the three-match T20I series against Pakistan at Kingsmead Stadium on Tuesday.
South African skipper Heinrich Klaasen expressed optimism about the pitch conditions at the toss.
“The wicket has been fantastic over the last couple of seasons, and hopefully, we can add scoreboard pressure. We’re looking to start the festive season well tonight and are excited for the guys to get an opportunity,” Klaasen remarked.
Pakistan, led by Mohammad Rizwan, saw notable changes in their playing XI. Salman Ali Agha, who captained the side in the third T20I against Zimbabwe, was excluded.
Rizwan, returning as captain in the white-ball format, will resume his partnership with Babar Azam as the team’s opening pair. Promising youngster Saim Ayub was moved down the order to bat at number three, followed by wicketkeeper-batter Usman Khan.
“We would have liked to bat first as well,” Rizwan said during the toss. “We’ve got some young guys and some with experience. But we want to see how we can develop players from the domestic circuit into future stars. Every fast bowler loves bowling in South Africa, and we always receive tremendous support here.”
The match also saw the inclusion of an extended Pakistani bowling attack, with Abbas Afridi at No. 7, complemented by spinners Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa fielded a new-look side, resting the players who recently clinched a Test series victory against Sri Lanka.
Key players such as Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Rassie van der Dussen, and Reeza Hendricks returned to the T20I squad. The team also welcomed back all-rounder George Linde, who made his comeback to international cricket after 2021.
However, South Africa faced a few setbacks. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje was sidelined due to a left big toe contusion, and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi was unavailable as he had just joined the squad following his participation in the Global Super League.
Pakistan Playing XI
Mohammad Rizwan (C & Wk), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Mohammad Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa Playing XI
Rassie van der Dussen, Reeza Hendricks, Mathew Breetzke, David Miller, Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk), Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Andile Simelane, Nqaba Peter, Kwena Maphaka, Ottneil Baartman
