Babar Azam back, Fakhar replaced; No Naseem Shah? Pakistan strongest XI for 1st T20I vs SA

Babar Azam, Naseem Shah and Fakhar Zaman [Source: AFP]

After losing the second Test by a comprehensive margin, Pakistan are all set to take on South Africa in a three-match T20I series on home soil. The first T20I will be played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 28. 

The PCB selection committee recently unveiled Pakistan's squads for the ODI and T20I series. Babar Azam and Naseem Shah were recalled to T20Is, while Mohammad Haris missed out on selection, with Usman Khan replacing him in the setup. As Pakistan gear up for the opening encounter in Rawalpindi, here we analyse to find out their most potent combination for the clash. 

Top order: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam

Sahibzada Farhan was Pakistan's most successful batter in the Asia Cup, scoring 217 runs at an average of 31. The right-handed batter oozed his class against India, playing pivotal knocks in the group stage as well as the final. So, Farhan will continue to open the batting for Pakistan in the South Africa series. 

Toss up between Saim and Babar for the opening slot

(Saim Ayub and Babar Azam as openers and at 3)

While Sahibzada Farhan will open, there will be a toss-up between Saim Ayub and Babar Azam for the second opener's slot. Saim has performed comparatively better at the opening position than in the middle order. 

Meanwhile, Babar Azam's average shoots up by six points at three than that at the opening position. Also, Babar can hold the innings together if he's slotted at three. So, considering all these factors, we believe Saim Ayub will be asked to open and capitalise on the powerplay field restrictions, with Babar Azam playing at number three as the replacement of Fakhar Zaman, who is one of the reserves. 

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Middle order: Agha Salman, Usman Khan, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz

Agha Salman, Hasan Nawaz to retain spots despite Asia Cup failure

Agha Salman and Hasan Nawaz were disappointing for Pakistan in the 2025 Asia Cup. While Salman managed just 72 runs at a horrible average of 12, Hasan Nawaz could score 17 runs in three innings. 

However, Salman, being the captain of the side, will get another opportunity in the middle order to prove himself. Meanwhile, Hasan Nawaz's impressive T20I numbers (449 runs, strike rate - 158.1) and ability to play aggressively could help him retain his place over Abdul Samad, at least in the initial matches. 

Usman Khan to replace Mohammad Haris

Mohammad Haris has been sidelined from the T20I squad despite finishing the Asia Cup 2025 as Pakistan's third most successful batter in the tournament. Usman Khan will replace him in the team and play as the wicketkeeper. His dynamic batting and scintillating stroke play make him a valuable asset for the Men in Green. 

Faheem, Shaheen and Abrar Ahmed to spearhead PAK bowling

Faheem, Shaheen expected to play crucial role after Asia Cup exploits

(Shaheen and Faheem's Asia Cup stats)

Shaheen Afridi and Faheem Ashraf were two of Pakistan's the biggest positives in the Asia Cup. These two players can contribute with both bat and ball, and hence the hosts will heavily rely on them to bolster their all-round department. Shaheen will be a genuine threat to the South African top-order with his swing bowling, while Faheem can be really handy with the ball if Pakistan prepare slightly tacky decks to counter the Proteas. 

Will Naseem Shah sit out on spin-friendly pitches?

As per several reports, Pakistan could prepare spin-friendly decks for the T20I series against South Africa. If that's the case, one would expect Usman Tariq to play in place of Naseem Shah. However, given the fact that Abrar Ahmed, Mohammad Nawaz and Saim Ayub can bowl four overs each and Agha Salman can chip in with a few overs of spin, Naseem Shah should be included in the team and lead the fast bowling department with Shaheen and Faheem. 

Pakistan's strongest XI for 1st T20I vs SA

Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha (C), Hasan Nawaz, Usman Khan (WK), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed

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