South Africa pose biggest challenge yet as Pakistan eye T20 turnaround

Babar Azam's team will look to replicate Test series form in T20 clash which begins in Lahore on Thursday

Pakistan captain Babar Azam, left, and South Africa's Heinrich Klaasen pose with the T20 series at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. EPA

Pakistani players take part in the team practice session at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. AFP

Pakistan's captain Babar Azam bats during a practice session at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. AFP

Pakistan players train ahead of the T20 series against South Africa. EPA

Pakistani players train at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. EPA

Pakistan army solider secure the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. EPA

South African cricketers warm-up during a practice session at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium. AFP

South African players at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore. AFP

Pakistan will get to know where their T20 revival plan stands when they take on South Africa in a three-match series starting in Lahore on Thursday.

The hosts have won just two of their last eight Twenty20 series, with victory coming against Zimbabwe and Bangladesh.

But they are seeking a return to the form that saw them win 11 series in a row from September 2016 to November 2018, lifting them to the top of the world rankings.

Pakistan's spirits are high after beating South Africa by 95 runs in Rawalpindi on Monday to take the two-match Test series 2-0 – their first win over South Africa since 2003.

South Africa will be without regular skipper Quinton de Kock, as well as established stars such as Faf du Plessis, Rassie van der Dussen, Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.

They returned home as scheduled after the second Test to prepare for a tour by Australia, but that has now been postponed because of the critical coronavirus situation in South Africa.

Still, Pakistan's bowling coach Waqar Younis refused to take the new-look Proteas side lightly.

"They are an international team and we need to play to our potential to finish a perfect season," he said.

Pakistan have left out senior batsman Mohammad Hafeez. This despite his great form, scoring 415 runs in 10 matches with an average of 83.00 and a strike rate of 152.57.

South Africa will be led by wicketkeeper-batsman Heinrich Klaasen, who hopes his newcomers will grab their opportunity.

"South Africa has got loads of talent, which people sometimes don't see because we only have six franchises," he said.

"We are by no means a second-string T20 squad, and we are looking to win."