Pakistan Aim to Regain Confidence Against South Africa in T20I Series After Asia Cup Setback
MuhammadSalis 
Pakistan look to bounce back from Asia Cup disappointment as they face a depleted South African side in a three-match T20I series starting in Rawalpindi, with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah returning to the squad.
Pakistan’s Road to Redemption Begins in Rawalpindi
RAWALPINDI, Oct 28, 2025: After a stinging Asia Cup campaign where archrivals India beat them thrice — including in the final — Pakistan will be desperate to regain form and confidence when they take on South Africa in the opening T20 International of a three-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday.
The series marks another step in Pakistan’s build-up to the 2026 ICC T20 World Cup, offering a crucial chance to test their new combinations and strategies under head coach Mike Hesson.
“It’s a big series for us to bounce back after the Asia Cup,” said Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha. “We’ve worked on improving our middle-overs batting and strike rotation. Playing against South Africa is a good test before the World Cup.”
A Favourable Match-Up for the Hosts
On paper, Pakistan enter as clear favourites. The home side fields a near full-strength squad, while the Proteas have arrived with a second-string lineup, led by Donovan Ferreira, after resting several regulars.
The visitors are missing star players like Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada, with Quinton de Kock the only big name returning to the T20I setup for the first time since mid-2024.
“It’s important to build toward the World Cup,” Ferreira said ahead of the series. “This is a stepping stone for us to see how our young players perform under pressure.”
Babar Azam Returns, Naseem Shah Fit Again
A key boost for Pakistan is the return of former captain Babar Azam after a four-month absence from the T20I setup. His inclusion brings both class and stability to Pakistan’s batting order.
“He’s a world-class player,” said Salman Ali Agha. “His presence always benefits the team — he’s played over 100 T20Is, led Pakistan many times, and scored heavily. His experience will strengthen our batting lineup.”
Pacer Naseem Shah is also back after missing the Asia Cup due to injury, adding depth to a strong pace attack that already includes Shaheen Shah Afridi and Mohammad Wasim Jr.
Pakistan have also included two new faces — uncapped spinner Usman Tariq and middle-order batter Abdul Samad — as part of their long-term strategy to build depth ahead of the T20 World Cup.
Selection Calls Stir Debate
The omission of wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Haris has raised eyebrows, especially since the management had previously backed him for middle-order stability. However, Usman Khan has been preferred for his ability to handle spin in subcontinental conditions.
“We wanted a wicketkeeper-batter who can play in the middle order and handle spin well,” Salman explained. “Usman has shown in the PSL that he can rotate strike and accelerate when needed.”
This reflects Pakistan’s evolving white-ball strategy under Mike Hesson, with a stronger emphasis on strike rates and adaptability rather than pure hitting ability.
Focus on Adaptability, Not Just Power
Despite prioritizing aggressive batting since Hesson’s appointment, Pakistan’s results have been inconsistent. The management now recognises that adaptability and game awareness — especially in middle overs — are just as important.
“In recent conditions, we need batters who can build innings and then accelerate,” Salman said. “Middle-overs batting against spin remains key — and that’s what we’ve worked on in the camp.”
South Africa’s Young Guns Look to Impress
While short on experience, South Africa’s squad is full of exciting talent. Alongside captain Donovan Ferreira, the Proteas will rely on Dewald Brevis, Reeza Hendricks, and Corbin Bosch to provide the firepower.
Veteran Quinton de Kock will offer guidance to the young side, while pacers Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger shoulder the bowling attack in the absence of big names.
“We may be a young team, but that gives us energy and hunger,” Ferreira said. “This series will help us find our best combination ahead of the World Cup.”
Conditions and Expectations
The Rawalpindi surface is expected to be flat and batting-friendly, setting the stage for high-scoring contests. Pakistan’s batters will look to dominate early, while spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz could play crucial roles in the middle overs.
Both teams see this series as a testing ground before the T20 World Cup, with player performances likely to shape final squad selections.
Squads
Pakistan: Salman Ali Agha (capt), Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (wk), Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, Usman Tariq, Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Salman Mirza.
Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim.
South Africa: Donovan Ferreira (capt), Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, Reeza Hendricks, Tony de Zorzi, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Ottneil Baartman, George Linde, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Nqaba Peter, Andile Simelane, Matthew Breetzke.
Outlook
Pakistan will be eager to dominate from the outset, rebuild team confidence, and reassert themselves as serious contenders for the 2026 T20 World Cup. For South Africa, this is a chance to give their youngsters international exposure and test their mettle in challenging Asian conditions.
With Babar Azam’s return, Naseem Shah’s pace, and Rawalpindi’s batting paradise, fans can expect an explosive start to this much-anticipated T20I series.
