Pakistan and South Africa eye Tri-Series final in crucial Karachi clash

Pakistan and South Africa will lock horns on Wednesday at the newly-renovated National Bank Stadium in Karachi in a crucial encounter. This match serves as a virtual semi-final, with both teams aiming to secure a place in the tri-series final against New Zealand on Friday.

Pakistan enters the contest looking to recover from a 78-run defeat against New Zealand in the series opener. Despite Fakhar Zaman’s explosive 84 off 69 balls, the middle order faltered under pressure from spin, leading to a failed chase of 331.

"The team morale remains high. It was just one bad game. A single loss doesn’t mean we lack spinners or that our pace attack is weak. The team that plays better on the day wins. We are fully focused on the South Africa game," Tayyab Tahir said during a press conference on Tuesday in Karachi.

Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Shaheen Afridi (3/88), struggled in the final overs, allowing Glenn Phillips to score an unbeaten 106 and push New Zealand to a formidable total.

A confirmed change in Pakistan’s lineup is the absence of Haris Rauf, who sustained a minor muscular sprain in his lower chest region during the previous game. Although the injury isn’t serious, the medical team has decided to rest him as a precaution, ensuring his full recovery for the ICC Champions Trophy 2025, which starts in Karachi on February 19.

Mohammad Hasnain is likely to replace Rauf, with the rest of the lineup expected to remain unchanged. Babar Azam will continue to open alongside Fakhar, despite ongoing discussions about his batting position.

"We don’t depend on a single player. Every player's contribution is crucial, not just Babar’s. We play as a team and will win or lose as a team," Tayyab said.

South Africa, on the other hand, will look to bounce back from a six-wicket loss to New Zealand on Monday. Their standout performer in that match was debutant Matthew Breetzke, who struck a record-breaking 150. However, their bowling attack struggled to defend a competitive total of 304/6.

Only four players from South Africa’s Champions Trophy squad—Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Lungi Ngidi, and Tabraiz Shamsi—featured in that match, as the rest of the squad either hadn’t arrived in Pakistan or had just finished their SA20 commitments.

The likes of Heinrich Klaasen, Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch and Keshav Maharaj, who are part of the Champions Trophy squad, have now arrived in Karachi and will be available for selection in this crucial fixture.

"We were in a unique situation coming into this tour. Some fresh faces got a chance and performed well against an in-form New Zealand side. Tomorrow is a very important game," Klaasen said.

"I just arrived in Karachi from South Africa yesterday, while the boys from Lahore who played against New Zealand reached today. We will have our first training session together today and are looking forward to the match," he added.

With the senior squad members returning, South Africa might prioritize game time for players who will feature in the Champions Trophy.

Pakistan previously swept South Africa 3-0 in their own backyard last December. Klaasen was a standout performer in that series, though his contributions were not enough to secure a win for his side. He is now eager to turn the tables by eliminating Pakistan from the tri-series.

"Pakistan have been playing good cricket over the past few months, but they have also been on the road for quite a while. We need to perform well, keeping the bigger picture in mind with the Champions Trophy coming up next week. If we can knock them out and play in the final, and the home country is not involved, that will at least put a smile on my face," Klaasen said.

With a place in the final at stake, both teams will bring their best game to Karachi in what promises to be a thrilling contest.