Preview as South Africa begin their WTC campaign vs Pakistan as they prepare for the first test at Lahore.
Preview of the first test as South Africa begin WTC title defence in Lahore.
“You can’t have fun all your life.” It was a strange way for Vernon Philander to react to someone congratulating him on his recent marriage proposal. He had other things on his mind, he argued.
In the euphoric aftermath of his 5/30, which won the ICC Test mace and South Africa’s series victory over England, Philander was set to start a news conference at Lord’s on August 20, 2012. Nearly 13 years later, South Africa defeated Australia by five wickets in the WTC final, reclaiming the mace at Lord’s.
The afterglow was euphoric once more. Indeed, if you’re a cricket enthusiast in South Africa, you’re probably still in a state of ecstasy from the joy that exploded into your life on June 14 of this year. However, Philander was correct. You can’t enjoy yourselves forever. You must go forward.
After all, it’s time. Male or female, South Africans have had nearly four months to recover from the team’s lone senior-level triumph. The public’s hearts and minds were already elsewhere, judging by the lacklustre reaction to the national prize tour last month.
The team is now as well. They are currently in Lahore, where they will play Pakistan on Sunday to start defending their title.
Temba Bavuma and Lungi Ngidi are not included in the team that defeated the Australians, while Keshav Maharaj will not play in this game. Details about Bavuma and Maharaj’s injuries are provided below. Ngidi has been judged unfit for the anticipated circumstances.
Although they know Shan Masood’s team won’t be easily defeated at home, South Africa’s triumphs over Pakistan in Centurion in December 2024 and January of this year guaranteed them a spot in the WTC final. The Pakistanis may, however, have to rely on muscle memory. They haven’t been seen in the format since returning from South Africa to play two Test matches against the West Indies in January.
Multan was the setting for both of those matches. Sajid Khan took match statistics of 9/115 as Pakistan won the first by 127 runs. However, despite Noman Ali’s match total of 10/121, the Windies then matched the score with a victory of 120 runs. Noman Ali, who took 9/70, was the visitors’ trump card.
There will undoubtedly be a turn. However, if Azhar Mahmood’s remarks below are to be believed, not in the same manner.