SA vs PAK 1st T20I, Match Prediction- Who Will Win Today?

Pakistan start their all-format tour of South Africa with the T20Is. They are coming in with a handful of new players who did pretty well in Zimbabwe, and are looking for a challenge in South Africa. Babar Azam returns to the T20I side after a break with a bit to prove considering his strike rate has once again come under the scanner. South Africa too are missing some key Test players and will likely to be short on strength. They were taken aside easily by India a few weeks ago but will be looking to bounce back with some new bowlers in the line-up.

SA vs PAK Match Details

Date: December 10th, 2024

Time:  9:30 PM IST

Venue: Kingsmead, Durban

SA vs PAK Weather Report

Rain seems to be staying away with clear weather likely.

SA vs PAK Pitch Report

Durban did spin a touch and kept low in the previous T20 here and batting first may be a better option.

SA vs PAK Predicted Playing XI

PAK Playing XI

Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Usman Khan, Saim Ayub, Agha Salman, Tayyab Tahir, Abbas Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Muqeem

SA Playing XI

Ryan Rickleton, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie Van der Dussen, Patrick Kruger, Heinrich Klaaasen, David Miller, Donovon Ferreira, Ottneil Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, Anrich Nortje, Tabraiz Shamsi

Key Players

Anrich Nortje

Anrich Nortje has been out of the national side since the T20 World Cup Final. Injury and franchise commitments were on his plate but he finally shows up again in South African colors. He still has the pace and will be hoping to phase himself through once more as he continues his dream of representing South Africa across formats.

Shaheen Shah Afridi

Shaheen Shah Afridi left out of the Test side is an alarm bell to watch. His fitness and effectiveness after injury has been a concern for sure and missing out on a Test spot could mark a significant change. He remains in the T20 side but will need to fight for his spot to avoid disappearing like some of Pakistan's previous fast bowlers who came in with a lot of promise.

SA vs PAK Match Tips

South Africa are a touch depleted. Pakistan though are flying high and their pace attack with Haris Rauf in particular looks really good. 

Match Prediction: Pakistan Will Win The Match