Pakistan are hoping to turn their T20 fortunes around when they take on a depleted South Africa in a three-match series starting in Lahore on Thursday.
The hosts have won just one of their last eight T20 series, with victory coming against lowly Zimbabwe.
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 riding 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 South Africa side lightly.
“They are an international team and we need to play to our potential to finish a perfect season,” he said.