Pakistan National Cricket Team has announced their playing XI for the first T20I against South Africa National Cricket Team. In a shocking development, the Muhammad Rizwan-led side dropped vice-captain Salman Agha from the XI.
Several reports have spread that Salman Agha has been removed from the team’s vice-captainship. This comes after his poor performances with the bat in the last few years series. He failed miserably with the bat in the ODIs and T20Is in the series against Zimbabwe and Australia.
Saim Ayub and captain Mohammad Rizwan will open the innings for Pakistan National Cricket Team in the first T20I.
Saim Ayub and captain Mohammad Rizwan will open the innings for Pakistan National Cricket Team in the first T20I. Although the left-hander entered the series with good performances against Zimbabwe, Rizwan will come after rest.
Babar Azamhad a lean patch, expected to bat at No.3. Failed in T20I against Australia National Cricket Team and rested for series against Zimbabwe National Cricket Team. He will also have a great opportunity to turn things around.
Tayyab Tahir replaced Salman Agha, Usman Khan and Irfan Khan in the XI to form Pakistan’s middle order
Usman Khan and Tayyab Tahir will man the middle order, who will be on the scene in the T20I series against the Zimbabwe National Cricket Team. The less experienced two will have a huge responsibility on their shoulders to help the team win and take an early lead in the series.
Mohammad Irfan Khan will play the role of finisher in the team and wants to strengthen his claim in the team. Along with it, Abbas AfridiHe will play a decisive role with the ball and will be vital with the bat for the Pakistan National Cricket Team.
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Shaheen Afridi and Haris will be the two pacers along with Rauf Abbas Afridi. The Pakistan National Cricket Team has also named two spinners in the team – Abrar Ahmed and Sufiyan Mugeem, the player of the series in Zimbabwe.
Playing 11 in first T20I against Pakistan SA:
Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan (w/c), Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi, Sufiyan Mugeem, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed
BREAKING: Pakistan confirm final XI for first T20I against South Africa. pic.twitter.chem/mGdKdecvw4
— Faizan Lakhani (@faizanlakhani) December 10, 2024
Pakistan National Cricket Team will enter the series on the back of a winning streak against Zimbabwe National Cricket Team. But Salman Agha’s captain was a completely different team. This time the seniors are back too and they would like to make an impact.
On the other hand, the South African National Cricket Team will enter the series on the back of a defeat against the Indian National Cricket Team. They would be hoping to bounce back and give the home fans something to cheer about.
