Guess what time of the year it is? Not just the holiday season, but this time December 2024 and January 2025 is about much more than that. Cricket fans, especially, are in for a treat as Pakistan is all set to tour South Africa during this time for the thrilling International series. The T20 2024 series will start in Durban on Tuesday, December 10. The agenda is set to have two Tests, three ODIs, and three T20Is. With the Proteas against Pak, this series is sure to give some chilling moments while being totally unpredictable. Both the teams will come prepared with best players, some old and some new, adding to the excitement. Read ahead to have a gist of the players, formats and squads in greater detail.
The Plan
The series is not going to be about just a sport on the field. It is a battle of strategy, skill and resilience. As per the plan, it will include:
- Two test matches which will contribute to the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25. Of these, first will be held between December 26 and 30 at Centurion Park, and the second between January 3 and 7 at Newlands, Cape Town.
- Three ODIs which will be crucial for ICC rankings.
- Three T20I matches which are cricket’s shortest and most thrilling format.
South Africa: The Host
The Proteas are ready to enter the showdown with full vitality and vigour with best foot forward. A seasoned player like Heinrich Klaasen will lead the T20I squad. On the other hand, players like Quinton de Kock and Rassie van der Dussen are expected to shine across formats. Playing in their homeland will work in their benefit, as it has before. New and emerging talents like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs will bring along a fresh energy and zeal.
Pakistan: The Unpredictable
What is so exciting about cricket when one of the teams is that of Pakistan? Its unpredictability. Captain Babar Azam’s batting is one to look out for while Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah are the bowling powerhouse. Even new talents like Abdullah Shafique who has shown remarkable skill already, and Agha Salman who is known for his all-round capabilities, will add brilliance to Pakistan’s already promising list of players. Spinners, under the leadership of Shabad Khan will play a crucial role, especially in the limited-overs cricket.
Pakistan’s strength lies in its adaptability and the ability to put the opposition in an uneasy place. Though,earlier, Pakistan has fumbled when in South Africa, but the team is ready to rewrite history with this series.
When and Where to Watch
The T20I 2024 series will start in Durban on Tuesday, December 10, 9:30 pm. One can tune in to Sports18 1 SD and Sports18 1 HD TV channels in India to watch the T20I series live. The second T20 series will occur on Friday, December 13, at 9:30 pm at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The third T20I series will take place on Saturday, December 14, at the Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg, 9:30 pm.
What makes this series unique?
South Africa views this series as an opportunity to strengthen their position in the World Test Championship rankings while putting in all the force in the ODI and T20 formats. As for Pakistan, it is an opportunity to rewrite history on South African land and climb up the ladder. Both the teams will present a mix of old and new players, who will show their skill and assert dominance.
Fans, as always, will stay glued to their screens to see the outcome of two evenly matched sides. While South Africa will have its home advantage, Pakistan’s unpredictability will give it a tough competition.
Final Thoughts
This series promises to deliver an electrifying cricket spectacle, showcasing evenly matched teams, highly motivated players, and thrilling variations across formats. It adds another reason to holiday cheer and excitement – a battle between two well-acclaimed teams in an International cricket set-up.
Read More Article: Will India Travel to Pakistan for 2025 Champions Trophy Matches?
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