The three-match T20I series between South Africa (SA) and Pakistan (PAK) is set to begin on December 10, 2024, in Durban, South Africa. This much-anticipated clash promises high-intensity cricket as both teams aim to strengthen their positions in the T20I arena.
Historically, SA and PAK have faced each other 22 times in T20Is. Pakistan holds a slight edge, winning 12 matches, while South Africa has emerged victorious in 10. Pakistan’s most memorable performance came on April 14, 2001, at Centurion, where they posted their highest T20I score against SA, a formidable 205/1 in 18 overs, successfully chasing South Africa’s highest score against Pakistan, 203/5, in the same match.
Among the key players, Pakistan’s Babar Azam stands out as the leading run-scorer in encounters between these teams. Babar has amassed 416 runs in 11 innings at a strike rate of 142.46, including a century and two half-centuries. Meanwhile, South Africa’s ace spinner Tabraiz Shamsi dominates the bowling records with 13 wickets in 11 matches, boasting an impressive economy rate of 7.02.
The Pakistan cricket team has arrived in Durban to gear up for the series opener. This marks the start of an exciting leg of Pakistan’s comprehensive tour of South Africa, which includes ODIs and Test matches extending until January 2025. A contingent of 12 players, including vice-captain Salman Ali Agha and pace bowler Haris Rauf, joined the squad directly from Bulawayo after completing a T20I series against Zimbabwe. Also joining the team are seasoned players like captain Mohammad Rizwan, star batter Babar Azam, and pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi.
After a travel-induced rest day on Saturday, the team is set to begin intense practice sessions starting Sunday. Pakistan’s preparations will focus on acclimatizing to South African conditions, which are known to challenge visiting teams.
T20I Series Schedule
• First T20I: December 10, Durban (9:00 PM PST | 4:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local)
• Second T20I: December 13, Centurion (9:00 PM PST | 4:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local)
• Third T20I: December 14, Johannesburg (9:00 PM PST | 4:00 PM GMT | 6:00 PM Local)
With a balanced record and key players in form, the series promises thrilling contests and high-quality cricket. Will Pakistan’s dominance continue, or will South Africa turn the tables? Fans worldwide eagerly await the answers.