pakistan challenges South Africa The first match of three consecutive T20I series. This article provides details about the first match of the series, South Africa’s Playing XI vs Pakistan.
South Africa XI vs Pakistan – 1st T20I, 2025 Pakistan South Africa Tour
Opening match: Quinton de Kock (WK), Luan Dore Pretorius
South Africa will be hoping to continue the momentum the visiting team has on their side after winning the final Test against Pakistan in the first of three T20Is.
The Proteas have named a squad full of T20 specialists and will be led by Donovan Ferreira, who also led the team in the one-off T20I against Namibia.
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South Africa have lost the last two T20Is they have completed, including a loss against Namibia, and will be looking to get back to winning ways.
The 2024 T20 World Cup runners-up can take confidence from the fact that they are familiar with the conditions, although they don’t play much of a role in this format of the game.
On top of that, the visitors will go into the series with a memorable Test win after three consecutive defeats, which will boost their confidence.
South Africa are expected to start the innings with Quinton de Kock and Luandre Pretorius, who recently reversed their decision to retire from the white-ball format.
The opening pair will be entrusted with getting the team off to a good start and helping the team achieve an above-average performance by batting first.
Middle-order batsmen and all-rounders: Lisa Hendricks, Tony De Sorge, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Donovan Ferreira (c)
Depending on the composition of the team, Africa could field four starting pitchers, with Leesa Hendricks and Toni De Sorge batting third and fourth, or alternating depending on the situation.
Following this duo is Dewald Brevis. He has been in great form in recent months, having a T20I century against Australia and an attacking half-century in tough conditions against Pakistan in Test cricket.
Africa also relies on George Linde, who acts as a spin-bowling all-rounder and provides a hard-hitting blow to captain Donovan Ferreira.
As always, the top six batsmen are responsible for scoring the majority of their team’s runs, either batting first or while chasing.
Bowlers: Jen Fortuyn, Nandru Berger, Lizard Williams, Lungi Ngidi
When it comes to Africa’s bowling line-up, there are certain bowlers who may not have played that many international matches but have a wealth of experience when it comes to T20 cricket.
Africa’s bowling attack includes names like Bjorn Fortuyn, Nandre Berger, Lizard Williams and George Linde, all of whom are capable of changing the game in their team’s favor.
Due to the lack of experience at international level, senior bowler Lungi Ngidi will have to take on the responsibility and lead the bowling.
The Proteas will be hoping their bowlers put in an energetic performance and limit their opponents to the totals they can chase.