Babar Azam Marks His T20I Comeback as Pakistan Face South Africa
Pakistan has announced its squad for the white ball series against South Africa. After the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, both teams shifted their focus to the limited overs. For Pakistan, Babar Azam marks his return to the T20I format.
Pakistan has announced its squad for the white ball series against South Africa. After the Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, both teams shifted their focus to the limited overs. For Pakistan, Babar Azam marks his return to the T20I format.
The Test series between Pakistan and South Africa has finally come to an end. Both teams played well in the same way, due to which the series ended 1-1. And now, it is time for them to shift their focus to the white ball series. Pakistan and South Africa for three ODIs and three T20Is.
Announcing the squad for the same, fans are excited to see one name. Babar Azam makes his return to the T20I side after missing out on the same for the last few games. It will be interesting for the Pakistani fans to watch Babar Azam back in action for the home series.
1. Pakistan's Squad for White Ball Series
Immediately after the end of the Test series, Pakistan announced its squad for the white ball series against South Africa. This will start from 28 October, as both teams face each other in three ODIs and three T20Is. Although the Test series has resulted in a draw, it will be intense to see which team wins in the limited-overs series.
Pakistan's T20I Squad:
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Abdul Samad
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Hasan Nawaz
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Mohammad Salman Mirza
- Naseem Shah
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Saim Ayub
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Usman Khan
- Usman Tariq
- Reserves: Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Sufiyan Moqim
Babar Azam is not the only player who has made his return to the T20I squad. It is Naseem Shah who joins Babar Azam in the list. Neither of them was a part of the team in its last two T20I squads, against the West Indies and the Asia Cup. Along with that, Mohammad Rizwan still remains missing from the T20 squad.
Pakistan's Squad for ODIs:
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)
- Abrar Ahmed
- Babar Azam
- Faheem Ashraf
- Faisal Akram
- Fakhar Zaman
- Haris Rauf
- Haseebullah
- Hasan Nawaz
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Mohammad Wasim Jnr
- Naseem Shah
- Saim Ayub
- Salman Ali Agha
The ODI squad looks strong, with the team having all the notable names included. Haris Rauf will also be making his return to the ODI format, with the series against South Africa. It will also be the first ODI series for the team under the new captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
2. Pakistan vs South Africa Schedule
The limited-overs series between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on 28 October. Fans will be able to watch both teams go against each other for three ODIs and three T20Is. While South Africa is yet to announce its squad, Pakistan has started its preparations for the same.
Pakistan vs South Africa Schedule:
- First T20I: 28 October 2025, Rawalpindi
- Second T20I: 31 November 2025, Lahore
- Third T20I: 1 November 2025, Lahore
- First ODI: 4 November 2025, Faisalabad
- Second ODI: 6 November 2025, Faisalabad
- Third ODI: 8 November 2025, Faisalabad
Pakistan has a long schedule loaded for them in the month of November. As the series against South Africa comes to an end, the team will also be having a three-match ODI series against Sri Lanka. Following this, Pakistan will be going against Zimbabwe and Sri Lanka in a T20I tri-series.
3. Babar Azam in T20Is
Babar Azam will be making his long-awaited comeback to the T20 format after a long time. He was not a part of the Pakistani team for their last two T20I series or tournaments. He did not play in the series against the West Indies and eventually went on to miss the Asia Cup 2025 for the team.
Babar Azam in T20Is:
- Innings: 121
- Not Out: 15
- Runs: 4223
- Average: 39.83
- Strike Rate: 129.22
- 100s: 3
- 50s: 36
It should be noted that Babar Azam has his name etched in the record books of the game when it comes to the T20I format. Having represented the team in this format for several games, he has played a vital role in their top order. Fans will also be delighted to watch Babar Azam mark his return to the team in the shortest format of the game.
Babar Azam in T20Is in 2024:
- Innings: 23
- Not Out: 1
- Runs: 738
- Average: 33.54
- Strike Rate: 133.21
- 100s: 0
- 50s: 6
With the T20 World Cup 2026 approaching, Pakistan also knows that it can't ignore the experienced players for the same. Since it will be played in India and Sri Lanka, Babar Azam will be able to use his experience for the same, as he has played the majority of his games in Asia.
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