FAISALABAD: Pakistan won the toss and elected to field first against South Africa in the opening One Day International (ODI) at Faisalabad. The match marks the return of international cricket to the city after 17 years, with Iqbal Stadium once again hosting top-level action as South Africa takes the first turn to bat.
Shaheen Shah Afridi is leading the national team for the first time in ODI cricket. Calling it an honor to captain Pakistan, Shaheen expressed that Babar Azam’s return to form is crucial for the team’s success.
Afridi said his team would prefer to chase to take advantage of the conditions at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
“We will bowl first. It’s fresh (wicket), it’s been a long time since an ODI was played here. It’s a good opportunity and responsibility, I will try to enjoy and give confidence to the players. Everyone is looking forward to the series,” Afridi said during the toss.
“Looks a bit dry and we have heard that the dew comes in later. So, we will have to assess in the first 10 overs. Taken a lot of lessons from the T20Is but we have done well in this format in the past few months. We have three debuts,” South Africa skipper Matthew Breetzke said.
Fast bowler Haris Rauf has been rested, while Pakistan have gone with a batting-heavy lineup.
Hasan Nawaz and Hussain Talat have both earned spots in the playing XI, as Shaheen leads a bowling unit featuring Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, and Abrar Ahmed.
Ahead of the match, the trophy for the series was unveiled, and both sides engaged in intensive practice sessions to prepare for the contest.
Pakistan Playing XI:
Captain Shaheen Shah Afridi, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, Fakhar Zaman, Mohammad Nawaz, Saim Ayub, Abrar Ahmed, Hussain Talat, Salman Ali Agha, and Hasan Nawaz.
South Africa Playing XI:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams
