Pakistan Finalizes Playing XI for First Test Against South Africa

Pakistan cricket team’s management has reportedly finalized its playing XI for the opening Test of the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, set to begin tomorrow (Sunday) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium against defending champions South Africa.

According to local sources, Pakistan will go ahead with a 7–2–2 combination (seven batters, two fast bowlers, and two spinners) for the first of the two-match series.

The major talking point is the inclusion of 38-year-old Asif Afridi, who will make his Test debut in place of Sajid Khan, ruled out due to viral fever. Afridi, a left-arm spinner from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been rewarded for his consistent domestic performances, having claimed 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49.

Noman Ali will partner Asif, with Pakistan opting for two left-arm spinners for the opening contest.

In the pace department, Shaheen Shah Afridi returns to Test cricket after a year away from the format and will lead the attack alongside Hasan Ali, who last featured in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.

At the top of the order, Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique will open the innings, while captain Shan Masood and Babar Azam will anchor the middle. Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha form the core of Pakistan’s lower middle order, adding depth and balance to both batting and bowling options.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for 1st Test vs South Africa

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Noman Ali, Asif Afridi.

The first test match marks the start of the new World Test Championship campaign for both teams, and with home advantage in Lahore, the management has opted for a spin-heavy lineup suited to local conditions.

The second and final Test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24, before both sides shift focus to the white-ball leg of the tour.