Pakistan skipper (second proper) and Temba Bavuma (centre left) on the toss within the first Check match between Pakistan and South Africa on December 26, 2024. —X/ @TheRealPCB
South Africa gained the toss and opted to bowl first within the first Check match of a two-match sequence towards Pakistan at SuperSport Park, Centurion, on Thursday.
South Africa are chasing a spot in subsequent yr’s World Check Championship ultimate however, so as to take action, they have to win at the least one Check within the sequence towards Pakistan.
“It was a tricky decision to make but we’d like to have a go with the new ball,” stated South Africa captain Temba Bavuma after successful the toss.
The pitch at Centurion historically affords loads of seam motion for the bowlers.
The house facet named their staff on Tuesday with 30-year-old quick bowler Corbin Bosch to debut in an all-seamer bowling line-up, becoming a member of Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada and Dane Paterson within the house assault as he will get a chance due to a protracted damage checklist among the many nation’s quick bowlers.
Pakistan additionally chosen a facet with out a specialist spinner, with Mohammad Abbas, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah and Khurram Shahzad of their bowling assault.
Abbas performs his first Check in three years whereas Naseem is again after being dropped for the final two checks towards England in October. Shahzad was injured for that three-Check sequence.
“The last couple of times we’ve played at Centurion, we’ve gone with the seam attack and we’ve seen some success. The pitch does not favour the spinners at all,” stated Bavuma.
“Conditions favour the seamers,” added Pakistan captain Shan Masood, “but you get a lot of value for your shots so it’s about picking the right balls and getting a decent first innings score on the board.”
Babar Azam, additionally dropped for the final two Assessments towards England at house in October, returns which suggests Masood will open the batting alongside Saim Ayub.
The 22-year-old Ayub scored two centuries as Pakistan thrashed South Africa 3-0 of their One Day Worldwide sequence final week.
Pakistan XI: Shan Masood (capt), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas
South Africa XI: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch
Schedule of matches:
First Check — Dec 26 to Dec 30 on the SuperSport Park, Centurion
Second Check — Jan 3 to Jan 7 on the Newlands Cricket Floor, Cape City
It is a growing story and is being up to date with extra particulars.
