Pakistan take on South Africa in first T20I today

JOHANNESBURG – Pakistan will take on South Africa in the T20I series against Pakistan at New Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg turday.

After losing a rollercoaster ODI series 2-1 against Pakistan, South Africa are looking to bounce back in the T20Is and test their rising stars against in-form opposition.

Having already released Kagiso Rabada, Quinton de Kock, David Miller, Lungi Ngidi and Anrich Nortje to play in the IPL ahead of this year’s T20 World Cup in India, South Africa has since suffered injuries to key men. Captain Temba Bavuma has been ruled out with a hamstring injury, while Dwaine Pretorius has not been medically cleared to take part as he continues rehabilitation from a rib fracture. Rassie van der Dussen has remained the with the squad but he is currently battling a quad injury, and Reeza Hendricks has withdrawn following the birth of his first child.

Despite the setbacks, coach Mark Boucher sees a silver lining.

“It’s a young squad and the guys are all desperate for opportunities,” Boucher said after the final ODI.

“It’s not ideal having a couple of injuries, but it brings an opportunity and I know there are quite a few very hungry guys in our T20 squad who would like to represent their country and see what it’s all about at international level.”

Janneman Malan and Kyle Verreynne both impressed in the final ODI, scoring 78 and 62 respectively and both will be hoping for further opportunities this month. Fast bowler Lutho Sipamla will similarly be looking to establish himself at this level.

Just like for South Africa, this series is another chance for Pakistan to ready themselves for the T20 World Cup.

Fixtures - all times local

First T20I: Saturday, 10 April, 2:30pm at Johannesburg

Second T20I: Monday, 12 April, 2:30pm at Johannesburg

Third T20I: Wednesday, 14 April, 2:30pm at Centurion

Fourth T20I: Friday, 16 April, 2:30pm at Centurion

Squads

South Africa

Heinrich Klaasen (c),  Daryn Dupavillon, Bjorn Fortuin, Beuran Hendricks, George Linde, Wihan Lubbe, Sisanda Magala, Janneman Malan, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Andile Phehlukwayo, Migael Pretorius, Tabraiz Shamsi, Lutho Sipamla, Pite van Biljon, Rassie van der Dussen, Kyle Verreynne, Lizaad Williams

Pakistan

Babar Azam (c), Arshad Iqbal, Asif Ali, Danish Aziz, Faheem Ashraf, Fakhar Zaman, Haider Ali, Haris Rauf, Hasan Ali, Mohammad Hafeez, Mohammad Hasnain, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan, Mohammad Wasim, Sarfaraz Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sharjeel Khan, Usman Qadir, Zahid Mahmood, –ICC