Pakistan’s bowling attack has put the team in a strong position, taking out the top three South African batsmen within the first 20 overs. This has set the stage for a thrilling showdown at the Chidambaram Stadium.

Aggressive Batting Strategy from Pakistan

Pakistan adopted an aggressive batting strategy throughout their innings, despite facing a formidable South African attack. South African spinner Tabraiz Shamsi, returning to the team, managed to curb Pakistan’s strong start by taking crucial middle-order wickets.

Half-centuries from Babar and Shakeel ensured a competitive total for Pakistan. Mohammad Wasim was the last wicket to fall, leaving 3.2 overs of the allocated overs unused.

Early Wickets for Pakistan

Shaheen Shah Afridi put an end to Quinton de Kock’s early onslaught, while Mohammad Wasim dismissed Temba Bavuma. The dismissal of Rassie van der Dussen by concussion substitute Usama Mir ended a strong partnership, giving Pakistan a fighting chance.

Match 26: Pakistan vs South Africa

After winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Babar Azam chose to bat first in the sweltering Chennai conditions. The team made two changes, with Mohammad Wasim Jr. replacing an unwell Hasan Ali and Mohammad Nawaz coming in for Usama Mir.

South Africa’s regular captain, Temba Bavuma, returned to lead the team, confirming that they would have also preferred to bat first. Tabraiz Shamsi and Lungi Ngidi joined the team, while Kagiso Rabada was sidelined due to a lower back spasm.

Early Breakthrough for South Africa

The South African pacers showed early discipline, with Marco Jansen troubling the batsmen with his height and left-arm angle. He claimed the wicket of opener Abdullah Shafique in the fifth over.

Babar Azam came to the crease and quickly got into his stride. However, aggressive batting cost Pakistan the wicket of Imam-ul-Haq in the seventh over.

Pakistan’s Aggressive Approach

Pakistan continued their aggressive approach, with Mohammad Rizwan supporting Babar with his powerful strokeplay. However, their aggressive approach led to Rizwan’s dismissal.

Despite the loss of wickets, Babar and Iftikhar Ahmed managed to stabilize the innings. However, their efforts were thwarted by the impressive Shamsi, who claimed two big wickets after the 25-over mark.

Resurgence in Pakistan’s Innings

The sixth-wicket partnership between Saud Shakeel and Shadab Khan helped Pakistan recover. Shakeel’s 52 runs were the highest in the innings, breathing life into the team’s effort.

Shabad, the returning all-rounder, scored 43 runs from just 36 balls. Mohammad Nawaz also contributed with a run-a-ball 24. However, South Africa managed to keep things in check, bowling Pakistan out for 270.

Standout Performances

Shamsi’s 4/60 figures were a game-changer, while Marco Jansen also impressed with 3/43 from nine overs.

Team Lineups

Pakistan Squad:

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Iftikhar Ahmed, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Wasim, Haris Rauf

South Africa Squad:

Temba Bavuma (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Rassie van der Dussen, Aiden Markram, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Tabraiz Shamsi, Gerald Coetzee, Lungi Ngidi