‘IPL experience will benefit South Africa on Pakistan tour’

Pakistan Head Coach Misbahul Haq has stated that the experience gained by South African players by playing the Indian Premier League (IPL) will aid the visitors during the upcoming two-match Test series.

Pakistan have hosted seven Test matches at their home soil in which the hosts have won one, lost two and four have remained drawn. In the only Test match hosted at National Stadium in Karachi in October 2007, South Africa defeated Pakistan by 160 runs, becoming only the second team in history to beat Pakistan at the venue.

“We will try to improve our record against South Africa [at home]. They are a good side overall. There fast-bowlers utilise reverse swing in a good manner. Also, most of their players feature in IPL now, so they are good against spin bowling. It will be a competitive series but will try to put up a good show and register victory,” said Misbah during a virtual press conference.

ALSO READ: Pakistan confirms 17-player squad for first South Africa Test

The first Test in Karachi starts on January 26 and is followed by the second in Rawalpindi from February 4. The Test series will be followed by three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on February 11, 13 and 14.

The coronavirus pandemic means all the matches will be played without fans in attendance.