Pakistan’s cricket team is planning to adjust its lineup for the upcoming white-ball matches during their December tour of South Africa. This series will include three T20 Internationals (T20Is), three One Day Internationals (ODIs), and two Test matches. Notably, the Test series will be part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25.
Reports indicate that left-handed batsmen Fakhar Zaman and Imam-ul-Haq are set to rejoin the squad for the T20Is and ODIs. Both players have been away from the national team for some time, and their return is expected to add experience and skill to Pakistan’s batting lineup.
Fakhar Zaman had been absent from recent teams following a controversial situation earlier this year. After openly showing support for Babar Azam, who was dropped from Pakistan’s squad for two Test matches against England, Fakhar faced disciplinary action from the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB). This led to him being sidelined for the white-ball matches against Australia and left out of the latest central contract list. However, the current outlook seems more positive, as Fakhar and the PCB appear to have resolved their issues, allowing him to rejoin the squad.
Imam-ul-Haq, known for his impressive ODI average of 48.27, is also preparing to make his return. The 27-year-old last appeared for Pakistan during their ICC Men’s Cricket World Cup match against South Africa in 2023. Imam, a left-handed opener, has been a significant player in Pakistan’s ODI lineup, and his comeback is expected to strengthen Pakistan’s batting, especially in the one-day format.
The tour to South Africa will be packed with matches. It will start with the T20I series, held across Durban, Centurion, and Johannesburg from December 10 to 14. The ODIs will follow from December 17 to 22, taking place in Paarl, Cape Town, and Johannesburg. Finally, the two-match Test series, part of the World Test Championship, will take place from December 26 to January 7, with matches in Centurion and Cape Town.
Tour Schedule:
T20I Series:
- 10 Dec – 1st T20I, Durban
- 13 Dec – 2nd T20I, Centurion
- 14 Dec – 3rd T20I, Johannesburg
ODI Series:
- 17 Dec – 1st ODI, Paarl
- 19 Dec – 2nd ODI, Cape Town
- 22 Dec – 3rd ODI, Johannesburg
Test Series:
- 26-30 Dec – 1st Test, Centurion
- 3-7 Jan – 2nd Test, Cape Town
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