As the Pakistan–South Africa Test series draws near, excitement among cricket fans continues to surge. The first Test match is scheduled to start on October 12 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, where both teams are gearing up for a highly competitive encounter. With final training sessions underway, Pakistan’s management is reportedly fine-tuning their playing XI to strike the perfect balance between pace and spin.
According to inside sources, the selection committee is favoring a two-pacer and two-spinner combination to best utilize home conditions. Interim head coach Azhar Mahmood has expressed satisfaction with the team’s preparation and form, particularly praising the bowlers for their sharp rhythm during practice.
Emerging left-arm spinner Asif Afridi is expected to make his Test debut, having impressed the selectors with his accuracy and temperament in the nets. The batting lineup is likely to feature Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, and captain Babar Azam, providing both stability and attacking depth.
In the middle order, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha are expected to play key roles, while the bowling unit will be spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi and Nauman Ali, with Sajid Khan and Khurram Shehzad being strong contenders to round off the attack.
The final XI will be confirmed shortly before the toss, as Pakistan aims to begin the series with confidence against a determined South African side.
