Hello and welcome to PTVsport’s live coverage of the Pakistan vs South Africa. Watch Pakistan vs South Africa Daraz Ptv Sports live, SA vs PAK Live @ Ptv Sports: Pakistan vs South Africa Highlights in HD.
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
So, buckle up as Rvel Zahid and I, Shashwat Kumar, bring all the action to you from day one!
Hello and a Merry Christmas to everyone tuning in. This is the first of two Tests that could have major ramifications on the WTC, played between two sides that have narratives to alter, paradigms to shift and uncharted territory to explore.
And, akin to successes from yore, they have something to fight against. A record to set straight, a notion to disprove, an us-against-expectations battle and, pressingly, the appeal of transforming an escapade that has otherwise only been synonymous with nightmares, into something much more euphoric and dreamier.
Pakistan carry a different but similarly substantial burden. Of not being able to challenge South Africa enough on these shores in Test cricket. The WTC bus has seemingly passed them by too. But Pakistan regularly stray from the usual and conventional course, find themselves in chaos having meandered towards it, and then revel in its eccentricity.
Years of heartbreak, of feeling what might have been and what ifs, to now, what is. An opportunity to contest the game that matters in the World Test Championship (WTC) and by extension, a chance to be the champions of the world. Which a country of their cricketing excellence warrants, demands and perhaps most pertinently, deserves.
9am The final step, at times, is the toughest. South Africa, as a cricketing nation, know that well. Probably too well, and more often than they would have liked or ever wanted. But they can alleviate some of that pain. With the finish line in sight, yet again.
Imran: “Great boxing day today for me first Ind vs Aus treat to watch now lets move on to Pak vs SA another cracker on boxing day i hope my first comment will published”
9:10am Pakistan’s Test tours to South Africa have often been traumatic, and they have won only twice in the country. But what can they learn from those experiences? This piece by Danyal Rasool, where he speaks to former Pakistan and South Africa head coach Mickey Arthur, and Pakistan legend Mushtaq Ahmed, should have the answers.
Suren: “Merry Christmas Shashwat and Zahid. The year which has been fruitful for SA can end up making them a WTC finalist.” — It could, but they cannot take a team with Pakistan’s quality lightly.
9:20am It’s that time of the year and cricket aficionados have an assortment of Boxing Day action to choose from. And while the one happening at the MCG might have garnered more attention and hype, this game in Centurion, as Firdose Moonda writes in her preview, is just as much of a high-stakes encounter.
Arif: “Let’s talk about Abbas. When was the last time he played International cricket? What do you think about his inclusion?” — His last Test was in 2021 in the West Indies. But he has since been picking up loads of wickets in the English county circuit, and could find these conditions fruitful, perhaps reprising the sort of role Vernon Philander once played for South Africa, although he has struggled in the two Tests he has played in this country.
Nabil: “How’s the weather ? Are we starting on time ?” — It is cloudy, but it is, more importantly, looking good, says Firdose from the venue. A bit of sun too and incredibly festive.