Ahead of Pakistan’s highly anticipated multi-format series against South Africa, white-ball skipper Mohammad Rizwan expressed confidence in his team’s ability to compete against the hosts’ formidable home record. The series kicks off on Tuesday with the first T20I in Durban.
South Africa’s recent performance at home has been nothing short of exceptional. Over the past year, they have hosted the West Indies, the Netherlands, England, Australia, and India in 50-over cricket, with only India managing to clinch a series win. In Tests, the Proteas have been even more dominant, remaining unbeaten at home this year. Their last home Test series defeat was in 2018/19, when Sri Lanka triumphed in Durban and Gqeberha.
Despite the challenging conditions, Rizwan emphasized that past records hold no sway over Pakistan’s approach. “It doesn’t matter to us which team played where and what they achieved. Even what we did doesn’t matter because it is past. It is a new challenge for us, and we want to perform well,” Rizwan stated in a video shared by Pakistan Cricket.
The series will see Pakistan take on South Africa in three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, with matches expected to be played on bouncy pitches—a stark contrast to the slower, turning tracks of Asia. However, Rizwan brushed aside concerns about adapting to these conditions.
Pakistan enters the series with momentum on their side, following a historic ODI series win in Australia last month and back-to-back T20I and ODI triumphs in Zimbabwe. As they prepare to face South Africa, the team is optimistic about continuing their strong form on foreign soil.
Also See: Pakistan vs South Africa Series Schedule and Match Dates
Pakistan T20I squad: Mohammad Rizwan (captain, 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 and Usman Khan (wk)
South Africa T20I squad: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), 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.