LAHORE: Pakistan is set to take on defending champions South Africa in a two-Test series as part of the fourth cycle of the ICC Test Championship 2025-27. The first Test will begin on Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan’s strategy for the match features seven batsmen, two fast bowlers, and two spinners. Due to a viral fever, right-arm spinner Sajid Khan has been replaced by left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in the 11-member squad.
The 38-year-old Afridi has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49 and brings valuable experience to the team. He will be joined by seasoned spinner Nauman Ali, who has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75.
In pace bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi returns to the Test side after a year. The left-arm fast bowler, who has taken 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will partner Hasan Ali with the new ball. Right-arm fast bowler Hasan Ali, who has taken 80 wickets in 24 Tests, last played a Test in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.
Pakistan’s innings will be opened by Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, while Shan Masood will lead the side as captain.
The complete playing XI for the first Test against South Africa in Lahore includes Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan as wicketkeeper, Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.
