ISLAMABAD: Pakistan’s middle-order batter Kamran Ghulam has been excluded from the playing XI for the upcoming Tri-Nation Series match against South Africa, scheduled for Wednesday at the National Stadium Karachi. Ghulam, who has been struggling with the bat in recent outings, makes way for left-handed batter Saud Shakeel.
The lineup also sees the return of pacer Mohammad Hasnain, who replaces Haris Rauf. Rauf, who is recovering from a muscular sprain in his lower chest, has been rested as a precautionary measure for the upcoming fixtures. The injury is not considered serious, and Rauf is expected to be fully fit for the ICC Men’s Champions Trophy 2025, which will be hosted by Pakistan from February 19 to March 9.
New Zealand has already secured their spot in the Tri-Nation Series final, having defeated both South Africa and Pakistan. The match between Pakistan and South Africa is effectively a virtual semi-final, with the winner advancing to the final.
In their previous encounter in the series, Pakistan was outclassed by a dominant Glenn Phillips and a solid bowling performance from New Zealand, suffering a heavy 78-run defeat. Chasing a target of 331, Pakistan could only manage 254 before being bowled out in 47.5 overs, despite Fakhar Zaman’s gritty half-century. New Zealand’s Mitchell Santner and Matt Henry each took three wickets, while Bracewell claimed two.
Later, New Zealand comfortably defeated South Africa by six wickets, chasing down a 305-run target with eight balls to spare. The strong second-wicket partnership between Kane Williamson and Devon Conway was crucial to their victory.
Pakistan’s Playing XI: Mohammad Rizwan (c), Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel, Tayyab Tahir, Salman Ali Agha, Khushdil Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Mohammad Hasnain, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
