Pakistan’s white-ball captain, Mohammad Rizwan, has expressed confidence ahead of the three-match T20I series against South Africa, emphasizing that his team is undeterred by the Proteas’ strong home record. Speaking to the media at Kingsmead Cricket Stadium in Durban, Rizwan stressed that the Men in Green are focused on the present challenge rather than relying on past performances against South Africa.
Acknowledging the difficulties of playing in foreign conditions, Rizwan stated that adapting to the unique pitch and weather conditions in South Africa will be critical. “As professional players, we must acclimatize quickly and perform well,” he remarked, underlining the importance of delivering consistent performances regardless of the setting.
Young Talent and Team Chemistry
The captain praised the contributions of younger players, highlighting their performances in recent series against Australia and Zimbabwe. He noted that the inclusion of fresh talent has significantly bolstered the team’s bench strength, enabling healthy competition within the squad. “The young players have gelled well with the senior cricketers and are learning from their experience,” Rizwan said, emphasizing the positive dynamic within the team.
Strategic Team Selection
Rizwan shed light on the strategic approach to team selection for the South Africa series. He explained that the squad has been assembled with South African conditions in mind, ensuring the best combination for success. Looking ahead, he mentioned that the team composition for future tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy 2025 in Pakistan and the ICC Men’s T20 World Cup 2026 in India may feature different players, reflecting the selectors’ focus on long-term planning.
Fakhar Zaman’s Absence
Addressing the absence of Fakhar Zaman from the South Africa squad, Rizwan clarified that it was due to minor health concerns. He praised Fakhar’s game-changing abilities and assured fans that his exclusion was not due to any ill-will. “Fakhar has been advised to focus on the ongoing domestic T20 tournament under the PCB’s medical panel’s supervision,” Rizwan said, expressing confidence in Fakhar’s return to full fitness.
With a mix of youthful energy and seasoned expertise, Rizwan is optimistic about Pakistan’s prospects in the T20I series, aiming to deliver strong performances on South African soil.