LAHORE: Pakistan, under the leadership of Shan Masood, will take on defending champions South Africa in a two-match Test series as part of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.
The first Test begins on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Pakistan is expected to field seven batters, two fast bowlers, and two spinners.
Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out due to viral fever and will be replaced by Asif Afridi, who earns a place in the playing XI. The 38-year-old left-arm spinner has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. Asif will partner with experienced spinner Nauman Ali in Pakistan’s bowling attack.
The 39-year-old Nauman Ali has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75. In fast bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi makes his return to Test cricket after a year-long absence.
The left-arm pacer, who has taken 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will share the new ball with Hasan Ali. Hasan, a right-arm fast bowler with 80 wickets in 24 Tests, last played a Test in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.
Pakistan’s opening pair will feature Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, while Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha will strengthen the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan will keep wickets.
Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Test:
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.