Pakistan will also respond South Africa The first match of three consecutive T20I series. In this article, we will discuss in detail the first match of the series between Pakistan Playing XI and South Africa.
Pakistan Playing XI vs South Africa – 1st T20I, Pakistan South Africa Tour 2025:
Opener: Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (week)
Pakistan will be hoping to get off to a good start in the three-match T20I series against South Africa after losing the second Test against the same opponents in Rawalpindi, the venue where the first T20I will also be held.
The home team was given a boost by the return of former captain Babar Azam, who was absent from Pakistan’s T20I set-up for a long time.
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Another big change in the T20I squad is the absence of senior batsman Fakhar Zaman. He is not part of the team for this series, but his name is on the reserve list.
The Men in Green are expected to start with Sahibzada Farhan and batsman Usman Khan, who was part of the team in the 2024 T20 World Cup, and will be hoping to perform well in the series opener against South Africa.
Usman’s opening partner Sahibzada Farhan, who performed well in the Asia Cup, will also be keen to continue his form in this format.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz
The middle order following the opening pair is largely the same as the one showcased at the Asia Cup, but with a few changes, one of the most notable being the exclusion of Mohammad Haris.
There are three experienced players in the midfield – Babar Azam, captain Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Nawaz – and all of them will have to take responsibility and bat first and lead the team to victory.
In addition to this trio, talented players like Hasan Nawaz and Saim Ayub are also expected to make big contributions by the management.
The Men in Green have favored depth in the batting department of late, so it will be interesting to see what they choose for the first T20I.
Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Waseem Jr., Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza
The hosts may play five Pro Bowlers instead of all-rounders in the first T20I against South Africa.
Names likely to be included in Pakistan’s bowling line-up for the series opener include newly appointed ODI captain Shaheen Afridi and Mohammad Nawaz.
Apart from the two, Mohammad Waseem Jr. and Salman Miraz may emerge as the second and third fast bowlers to support Shaheen Afridi.
As for the spin bowling department, Abrar Ahmed will be configured as the second spinner while Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha will also lend their skills when required.