PAK vs SA: Pakistan reveal playing XI for first ODI against South Africa

Pakistan has announced its playing XI for the opening match of the ODI series against South Africa, which will be held in Paarl. The squad features a mix of experienced players and promising newcomers, aiming to start the series strong.

The team will see the return of pacer Naseem Shah, who will join Haris Rauf and Shaheen Afridi as the main fast bowlers. Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique will open the batting for Pakistan.

This series marks Mohammad Rizwan’s third stint as Pakistan’s ODI captain. Rizwan's leadership journey began in November during the three-match ODI series against Australia, where he led the team to a 2-1 victory, marking Pakistan's first series win on Australian soil in 22 years. His second assignment was against Zimbabwe, where Pakistan won 2-1 in another three-match series.

However, Pakistan's start to the South Africa tour has been tough, as they lost the three-match T20I series 2-0.

In the first T20I, South Africa set a challenging total of 183/9, powered by a remarkable 82-run performance from David Miller and a quick 48 from George Linde. In reply, Pakistan fell short by 11 runs, managing only 172/8. Rizwan top-scored with 72 runs, while Saim Ayub added a quick 31, but the middle order collapsed.

In the second T20I, Pakistan posted 206/5, with Saim Ayub contributing a brilliant 98 not out from 57 balls. Despite his efforts, South Africa chased down the target comfortably in 19.3 overs. Reeza Hendricks was the standout with a match-winning 117 runs from 63 balls, supported by Rassie van der Dussen, who scored 66 not out.

Pakistan will be looking to bounce back in the ODI series and make a strong statement.

Pakistan’s Playing XI: Saim Ayub, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (C/WK), Kamran Ghulam, Salman Ali Agha, Muhammad Irfan Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.