Pakistan is set to begin their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign under the captaincy of Shan Masood with a two-match Test series against defending champions South Africa.
The first Test begins on Sunday at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium where Pakistan plans to field a balanced lineup with seven batters, two fast bowlers and two spinners.
According to media reports, right-arm spinner Sajid Khan will miss the match due to viral fever, and left-arm spinner Asif Afridi will replace him in the playing XI. 38-year-old Asif has claimed 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. He will partner with experienced left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75.
Pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi will make his Test comeback after a year. The left-arm pacer, who has 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will share the new ball with Hasan Ali. Hasan has 80 wickets from 24 Tests and last featured in the format against Australia in Sydney in January 2024.
Imam Ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique will open the innings for Pakistan, followed by captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan.
Pakistan playing XI for first Test vs South Africa:
Imam Ul Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Asif Afridi