Babar Azam Returns as Pakistan Faces South Africa in T20 Series

ISLAMABAD, Pakistan – Cricket fans are eagerly anticipating the T20 International match today between South Africa and Pakistan. The match will take place in Rawalpindi and features the return of star players Babar Azam and Quinton de Kock.

This first T20I is significant as it follows a recently concluded Test series that ended in a 1-1 draw. De Kock, who had not played T20 cricket since the 2024 T20 World Cup final, made his return earlier this month against Namibia. Azam, meanwhile, has not played T20 cricket since May and was omitted from the squad due to concerns about his performance.

According to state broadcaster Radio Pakistan, the match is scheduled to begin at 8:00 pm local time. Alongside Azam’s return, pacer Naseem Shah will also be back on the field after a long absence from this format.

South Africa’s team has seen some key players rested for this series, including Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and David Miller, who is injured. Donovan Ferreira will captain the South African squad, which aims to perform well despite the missing stars.

Pakistan skipper Salman Ali Agha sees the series as crucial preparation for the upcoming World Cup. He expressed enthusiasm about Azam’s return, stating, “Azam is a world-class player and he will benefit our team with his batting.” Agha added, “We need to build up toward the World Cup.”

The remaining matches of the three-match series are scheduled for Friday and Saturday in Lahore.