The primary T20I of Pakistan’s tour of South Africa 2024-25 shall be performed on Tuesday, December 10 at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, promising followers an exhilarating contest between two cricketing powerhouses.
A conflict of equals
South Africa, ranked sixth within the ICC T20I rankings, and Pakistan, intently following at seventh, are set to reignite their rivalry within the shortest format of the sport. Each groups purpose to say dominance in a format the place they as soon as dominated supreme. Having confronted one another in 22 T20Is, Pakistan holds a slight edge with 12 wins to South Africa’s 10.
South Africa enters the three-match sequence decided to get well from a 3-1 sequence defeat towards India in November. In the meantime, Pakistan brings confidence from their current 2-1 victory over Zimbabwe. With match-winners and power-hitters on either side, the stage is ready for a fierce showdown.
Additionally READ: SA vs PAK 2024: Pakistan’s greatest enjoying XI for the T20I sequence towards South Africa
3 battles to be careful for in South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I
1. Heinrich Klaasen vs Shaheen Shah Afridi: A duel of prowess
South African skipper Heinrich Klaasen, celebrated as probably the most harmful batters in fashionable cricket, will face a stern take a look at towards Pakistan’s left-arm tempo sensation Shaheen Shah Afridi. Klaasen’s capacity to hit sixes towards any bowler, be it pacers or spinners, is known. Alternatively, Afridi, famend for his wicket-taking prowess within the powerplay and center overs, will look to take advantage of any vulnerabilities in Klaasen’s method. This battle guarantees to set the tone for the sequence.
2. Anrich Nortje vs Babar Azam: Pace meets class
Anrich Nortje, South Africa’s tearaway pacer, is thought for his blistering tempo and precision. His versatility, starting from toe-crushing yorkers to sharp bouncers, makes him a formidable opponent. Nevertheless, standing in his method is Pakistan’s batting maestro, Babar Azam. Ranked fifth in ICC T20I batting rankings and boasting three centuries within the format, Babar’s elegant stroke play has typically left bowlers baffled. Apparently, one in all his T20I centuries got here towards South Africa. Followers will eagerly anticipate how Babar tackles Nortje’s fiery spells, notably given Nortje’s gorgeous four-wicket haul in his solely earlier T20I towards Pakistan.
3. David Miller vs Haris Rauf: A finisher towards the enforcer
David Miller, South Africa’s T20 specialist, has constructed a repute for game-changing performances throughout the center and dying overs. His dominance on dwelling soil makes him an important participant for the hosts. Countering him shall be Pakistan’s Haris Rauf, the main wicket-taker for his aspect in T20Is and the one Pakistani bowler ranked within the prime 20 of ICC T20I bowling rankings. Rauf’s capacity to strike throughout the center overs and adapt to abroad situations makes this contest a must-watch. Followers can count on fireworks as Miller’s explosive batting comes up towards Rauf’s precision and tempo.
