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The Kingsmead Cricket Ground, Durban, will host the opening match of the T20I series between South Africa and Pakistan on Tuesday, December 12, 2024. South Africa, under interim captain Heinrich Klaasen, will aim to bounce back after their previous series loss to India, while Pakistan will look to adapt quickly to conditions and challenge the Proteas.
Historically, the two teams have faced off in 23 T20Is, with Pakistan holding a slight edge with 12 victories compared to South Africa’s 10 wins. Pakistan’s most recent triumph over South Africa came during the 2022 ICC T20 World Cup in Sydney.
Teams Preview
South Africa Preview
Interim captain Heinrich Klaasen will lead a side featuring experienced players like David Miller and Rassie van der Dussen, alongside talented youngsters such as Reeza Hendricks and Ryan Rickelton.
Hendricks has been in sensational form in T20Is this year, scoring 444 runs at a strike rate of 126.13 with three half-centuries. Klaasen and Miller’s firepower in the middle order will be crucial, especially against Pakistan’s formidable bowling attack.
South Africa’s bowling unit will rely on Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, and Patrick Kruger to make early breakthroughs, while spinners Tabraiz Shamsi and George Linde will be tasked with restricting runs in the middle overs.
Key Players: Reeza Hendricks, Heinrich Klaasen, Anrich Nortje
Predicted Playing XI:
Heinrich Klaasen (c & wk), Ryan Rickelton, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen, David Miller, Donovan Ferreira/Matthew Breetzke, Tabraiz Shamsi, Anrich Nortje, Ottneil Baartman, George Linde, Patrick Kruger
Pakistan Preview
Under captain Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan will aim to continue their strong record against South Africa in T20Is. With a balanced squad featuring power-hitters and an effective bowling attack, Pakistan will look to make an impact in the opening match.
In the batting department, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, and Rizwan form a potent top order. Meanwhile, Usman Khan has been a consistent performer, scoring 103 runs in three matches this year at a strike rate of 121.17.
Pakistan’s bowling attack boasts the fiery pace trio of Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah, who will look to exploit the expected early movement on the Durban wicket. Spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sufyan Muqeem will be key in the middle overs.
Key Players: Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Khan
Predicted Playing XI:
Mohammad Rizwan (c & wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Usman Khan, Salman Agha, Irfan Khan, Abbas Afridi/Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Sufyan Muqeem, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf
Pitch and Weather Conditions
Pitch Report
The Kingsmead Cricket Ground offers assistance to both pacers and batters. Early movement with the new ball can trouble batters, but the surface tends to ease out as the match progresses, making it favorable for chasing.
- Average First-Innings Score: 150
- Matches Won Batting Second: 6 out of the last 10
Toss: Bowl First
Both captains will prefer to field first, given the chasing-friendly conditions at this venue.
Weather Report
The weather is expected to be mostly clear, though light rain may delay the start. The temperature will range between 24°C and 27°C, with humidity levels hovering around 67-81%.
RSA vs PAK Winning Prediction
South Africa enters this game with a strong lineup and home advantage, while Pakistan has the firepower to challenge any opposition. However, South Africa’s top-order consistency and experience give them a slight edge.
Prediction: South Africa to Win
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