A WASHOUT at The Wanderers saw Pakistan avoid a series whitewash but they will go into the One-day International rubber against South Africa after a thwacking by the hosts in the T20s. Pakistan fell short by 11 runs in the opening T20, unable to chase down an imposing 184-run target, before failing to defend 206 in the second game. Heavy rains meant the final game of the three-match series was abandoned without a ball being bowled but Pakistan will head into the one-dayers licking their wounds and hoping their bowlers — notably Haris Rauf — recover their form. Haris was the standout pacer for Pakistan during their ODI series triumph in Australia last month and shone in the T20s Down Under, where Mohammad Rizwan’s men suffered a whitewash, but went wicketless and gave away plenty of runs against South Africa. Following the Australia series, a largely second-string Pakistan side won the ODI and T20 series against Zimbabwe. Although there would be regrets after Pakistan were unable to square the series against South Africa following a scintillating 98 not out by Saim Ayub in the second T20, Rizwan’s side will need to brush if off. The opening ODI against South Africa is on Tuesday and the series is important as Pakistan look to build momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy they will host in February next year.

The fate of the tournament still hangs in the balance although reports suggest a fusion model has been arranged with India, which will see their arch-rivals play their matches on a neutral venue. Regardless of what happens, Pakistan’s focus should be on giving the best performance against South Africa in the ODIs. It is Pakistan’s last bilateral series ahead of the Champions Trophy and although they face New Zealand and South Africa in a tri-series ahead of the tournament, gaining momentum here would help them as they embark on their title defence in the Champions Trophy.

Published in Dawn, December 16th, 2024