What PAK’s Playing XI Could Look Like Against SA in the 1st T20I of South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025

Rawalpindi–a surface that rewards stroke-makers, punishes hesitation–is to host a Pakistan team in a dichotomy of aims–rebuilding or rediscovering. The 1st T20I against South Africa is not another bilateral start, but a measure of Pakistan’s evolving identity in white ball cricket. Their home T20 record since 2023 (6 wins in 11 matches) illustrates teams still learning how to dominate conditions that used to be second nature to them.

Farhan’s Return and Babar’s Burden

Farhan’s inclusion is some form of poetic justice for Sahibzada Farhan; he has shown impressive domestic T20 statistics (over 500 runs) with an almost 140 strike rate in the past PSL season. However, it is Babar Azam who is at the other end, and it is his rhythm that is being questioned. On surfaces such as Rawalpindi, which are very good for batting, there is always going to be a question of whether or not Babar can take the game away from the opposition quickly without losing his rhythm. Whether or not Pakistan succeeds against South Africa’s fast bowling attack, their success will depend less on Babar’s average and more on his intentions.

Middle Order: The Unpolished Power Core

Samad and Usman are explosive but volatile batting options for the middle order. Samad has been known to hit sixes domestically; however, as with many players, Samad has yet to test himself in high-pressure situations against top international pacemen like Nortje and Rabada. Usman brings a great deal of utility to the team; however, his temperamental inconsistency will allow him to have an occasional big game (i.e., 30 ball 60) followed by a poor outing (e.g., a slow 20). The “wild card” in this scenario is Saim Ayub very technically skilled; however, it appears that Ayub’s talent is being wasted in terms of tactics he should be positioned at number four to create a tempo bridge between the top order and finisher.

All-Round Depth or Confused Roles?

On paper, the all-round strength of Pakistan is reassuring. Salman Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, and Faheem Ashraf have bat-covering depth and variety to go along with the spin-speed ratio. But the problem is, it’s not clear. Salman’s off-spin is utility, not penetration. Nawaz’s left-arm spin is momentum, not pressure spells. Faheem’s medium pace has lost its bite since 2022, when it was the sixth bowler cushion. The problem is in usage and not in personnel. The danger for Pakistan will be in misreading the ground in Rawalpindi and overloading spin too much early, so that they lose control of the middle overs.

Bowling Blueprint: Raw Pace, Subtle Risk

Pakistan is set to be aggressive with their selection of Abrar Ahmed (the mystery spinner) and the new ball partnership of Shaheen Shah Afridi and Salman Mirza. Abrar can add hostile pressure; however, he lacks significant experience at the international level in T20 cricket. The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to provide plenty of bounce, which will make it difficult for Abrar to consistently deliver an unpredictable mix of googlies and sliders. If Abrar’s delivery patterns become too predictable, the South African batsmen will begin to line him up.

Verdict: Potential-Packed, but Execution-Dependent

The projected XI for Pakistan has many exciting features but also some significant cracks – both untested flair and tested uncertainty. If the opening batsmen play aggressively at the top and Shaheen’s early wickets fall, then Pakistan may be able to establish a high-scoring rate of play. However, if Babar plays too defensively at the top of the innings or the middle order fails to fire as they should, then South African fast bowlers are likely to capitalize upon all hesitation in the batting line-up. Therefore, the XI for Pakistan currently represents a true cricketing paradox; full of talented players and lacking in a clear identity. Whether this XI heralds a new era for Pakistani cricket or simply yet another opportunity to restart will be revealed by the first T20I match.

Key Takeaway:

Pakistan’s XI has the tools to win, but only if intent matches invention.

FAQs

1: What makes Rawalpindi a tricky venue for captains?

Its bounce rewards pace early but flattens later, forcing tactical timing in bowling changes.

2: Why is Babar Azam’s role under scrutiny?

Because his strike rate, not his average, now determines Pakistan’s tempo in T20s.

3: How crucial is Shaheen Afridi’s new-ball spell?

It’s decisive, early wickets are Pakistan’s best weapon against South Africa’s top-heavy batting.

Disclaimer: This Exclusive News is based on the author’s understanding, analysis, and instinct. As you review this information, consider the points mentioned and form your own conclusions.

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