South Africa has elected to bat first after winning the toss against Pakistan in the first T20I at Kingsmead Stadium. The match, scheduled to start at 9:00 PM PST, features Pakistan’s captain Mohammad Rizwan optimistic about the team’s performance. The playing XI includes notable players Babar Azam and Usman Khan, while Salman Ali Agha has been left out due to recent performance issues.
South Africa won the toss and opted to bat first against Pakistan in the inaugural T20I at Kingsmead Stadium, Durban. Set to commence at 9:00 PM Pakistan Standard Time, this match marks the beginning of an exciting T20 series. The Pakistani squad has engaged in thorough preparations, conducting multiple practice sessions at the venue. Captain Mohammad Rizwan expressed optimism regarding the team’s performance following their successes in Australia and Zimbabwe.
The Pakistani lineup features the returning star pairing of captain Mohammad Rizwan and renowned batter Babar Azam at the opening positions, with Saim Ayub demoted to bat at number three. Wicketkeeper batter Usman Khan will follow suit, while All-rounder Salman Ali Agha has been omitted from the playing XI after underwhelming performances in the previous series against Zimbabwe. Agha scored only 45 runs across two innings and took two wickets, leading to his exclusion.
Pakistan’s finalized playing XI is: Mohammad Rizwan (captain), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem, and Abrar Ahmed. With commendable talent among the new players, the team aims to rise to the challenges presented in overseas series.
The first T20 match between South Africa and Pakistan is taking place in Durban, a venue known for its competitive cricket atmosphere. The Pakistani team has been adjusting and strategizing, highlighting their focus on excelling in this series, particularly following a successful outing in Zimbabwe. Captain Mohammad Rizwan is looking to harness the skills of both seasoned and new players to secure a victory. The match timing suggests a suitable window for local audiences, aiming to draw significant viewership. The decision for South Africa to set a target may play a crucial role in the match dynamics, especially given the team’s home advantage. This series is essential for Pakistan as they aim to strengthen their team cohesion and build upon their recent performances in international cricket.
In summary, the first T20 match between Pakistan and South Africa is set to kick off with South Africa batting first following a successful toss. Pakistan’s team, under the leadership of Mohammad Rizwan, is keen to leverage their confidence and blend of experience and youthful talent to counter South Africa’s strengths. The exclusion of Salman Ali Agha highlights competitive selection for the national side, while the return of revered players like Babar Azam adds depth to the batting order. The outcome of this match may set the tone for the remaining contests in the series.
Original Source: dunyanews.tv
