SA vs PAK 1st T20I Preview: Key Players And Stats, Live Streaming, Pitch Report, Probable XIs

Pakistan will take on the Proteas in their first T20I encounter on December 10 [Source: @_iiusman/X.com]

Pakistan is set to travel to South Africa for a comprehensive series that will include T20I, ODI, and Test matches. The Men in Green will kick off the tour with a T20I series, starting with the first match at Kingsmead, Durban, on December 10 at 9:30 PM IST.

SA vs PAK 1st T20I: Match Details And Live Streaming

SA vs PAK 1st T20I Preview: South Africa

After almost a year, South Africa will be facing Pakistan in a match. The last time they met was during the 2023 World Cup, where the Proteas emerged as the winners. However, in their T20I encounters, Pakistan has been the dominating side, winning 12 out of 22 matches. Following their disappointing defeat to India in their last T20I series, the Proteas will be eager to make a comeback in their series against Pakistan.

South Africa's batting lineup will be dominated by Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, and Reeza Hendricks, who will be looking to take on the Pakistani bowlers. The bowling lineup will be led by Anrich Nortje and Ottneil Baartman who could trouble Pakistan openers.

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SA vs PAK 1st T20I Preview: Pakistan

Following their recent 2-1 series victory against Zimbabwe, the Men in Green will be filled with confidence as they prepare to take on the Proteas. With key players like Saim Ayub, Omair Yousuf, and Babar Azam performing well with the bat, Pakistan will be eager to secure an early advantage in the series.

Their bowling attack will be strengthened by spinners such as Sufiyan Muqeem and Abrar Ahmed, while the pace lineup will be led by Haris Rauf, Shaheen Afridi, and Abbas Afridi, who are expected to pose a significant challenge to the Proteas.

SA vs PAK 1st T20I Pitch Report: How Will Kingsmead Surface Behave?

The fast bowlers are expected to dominate at Kingsmead Stadium in Durban, with the pitch offering significant lateral movement and extra bounce. As seen from recent times, the deteriorating pitch conditions as the match progresses will further aid the pacers, making it challenging for the batters. hence, the team winning the toss will likely opt to bat first.

SA vs PAK 1st T20I: Key Players And Stats

• Shaheen Afridi: 73 T20I matches 97 wickets; 7.80 ER
• Haris Rauf: 77 T20I matches 110 wickets; 8.14 ER
• Saim Ayub: 25 T20I matches, 369 runs; 16.77 Average; 127.68 SR
• Heinrich Klaasen: 56 T20I matches, 980 runs; 23.33 Average; 142.65 SR
• Anrich Nortje: 42 T20Is, 53 wickets, 7.01 ER
• David Miller: 129 T20Is, 2509 runs; 32.58 Average; 139.23 SR

SA vs PAK 1st T20I: Probable Playing XIs

South Africa: Ryan Rickelton (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen (C), David Miller, George Linde, Donovan Ferreira, Andile Simelane, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi, Ottneil Baartman, Rassie van der Dussen.

Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (C), Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Omair Yousuf, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Hasnain, Sufiyan Muqeem, Abbas Afridi.

SA vs PAK 1st T20I: Winner Prediction

Considering the dominant side and their head-to-head records, Pakistan has won the majority of matches. Therefore, setting aside the home advantage, the Men in Green are likely to win the first T20I encounter.

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