South Africa will host Pakistan in an all-format cricket tour, which includes six white-ball games and two red-ball matches. The tour kicks off with a three-match T20I series, starting on Tuesday, December 10, at Kingsmead in Durban, followed by the second T20I at SuperSport Park in Centurion and the final T20I at the Wanderers Stadium in Johannesburg.
South Africa’s challenges and the new leadership
South Africa will be fielding a depleted side due to the ongoing Test series against Sri Lanka, which has left several key players unavailable. Regular T20I captain Aiden Markram, along with Kagiso Rabada, Keshav Maharaj, Tristan Stubbs and Marco Jansen, will miss the series. In their absence, Heinrich Klaasen steps up to lead the team. Despite the absences, South Africa have bolstered its squad with the return of experienced campaigners Anrich Nortje and Tabraiz Shamsi. Additionally, all-rounder George Linde, who last played for the national side three years ago, makes a comeback, adding depth to the bowling and batting departments.
Pakistan’s momentum and key players
Pakistan will enter the series with momentum, having secured a 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe in their most recent T20I series. Skipper Mohammad Rizwan will once again lead the side, and the return of superstar batter Babar Azam provides a significant boost to their batting lineup. However, Pakistan will be without Fakhar Zaman, who continues to work on his form and fitness. Fakhar’s absence might create an opportunity for other players to step up in the top order. With a mix of experienced and young talent, Pakistan will look to maintain their winning rhythm.
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Squads
South Africa: Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk), 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, and Rassie van der Dussen.
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (c & 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, Sufiyan Muqeem, Tayyab Tahir, Usman Khan (wk).
Pakistan’s tour of South Africa 2024, T20I Series: Complete schedule and fixture details
1st T20I
- Date: December 10, 2024 (Tuesday)
- Venue: Kingsmead, Durban
- Time: IST: 9:30 PM/GMT: 4:00 PM/Local: 6:00 PM
2nd T20I
- Date: December 13, 2024 (Friday)
- Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
- Time: IST: 9:30 PM/ GMT: 4:00 PM/Local: 6:00 PM
3rd T20I
- Date: December 14, 2024 (Saturday)
- Venue: The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg
- Time: IST: 9:30 PM/GMT: 4:00 PM/Local: 6:00 PM
Broadcast and Live Streaming details
- Australia: Foxtel; Kayo Sports
- Pakistan: A Sports; Tamasha app or website, Tapmad
- India: Sports18, Jio Cinema, Fancode
- USA & Canada: Sling TV – Willow TV [Sign up here]
- UK & Ireland: Sky Sports
- South Africa: SuperSport
