Pakistan They revealed their playing XI for the much-awaited first Test against South Africais scheduled to start on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The Boxing Day Test marks the start of a crucial two-match series in the 2023-25 World Test Championship (WTC) tournament.
Shan Masood is set to lead the Pakistan national team
Shan Masoud He will lead the team, and take charge of this high-stakes competition. The team includes a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talent. The batting line-up includes stalwarts like Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will also serve as wicket-keeper.
Saim Ayyub and Saud Shakeel bring youthful energy to the batting line-up, while Salman Ali Agha provides an additional all-round option. The bowling unit has a strong mix of pace and accuracy, with the likes of Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shehzad The spearhead of the attack. All-rounder Aamir Jamal adds depth to the team, ensuring a versatile line-up for Pakistan.
Current and previous test form
In their previous five Test matches, Pakistan recorded 2 wins and faced 3 defeats, while South Africa remained unbeaten, winning all their last five matches.
The two teams last faced off in the second Test of South Africa's tour of Pakistan in the 2021 two-Test series. During that match, Aiden Markram emerged as South Africa's best bowler, scoring a brilliant century in the second innings, while Mohammad Rizwan led the way for Pakistan with an unbeaten 115 .
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Here is Pakistan's lineup for the first Test against South Africa:
- Shan Masoud (c)
- Saim Ayoub
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Muhammad Radwan (one week)
- Saud Shakeel
- Salman Ali Agha
- Amer Jamal
- Naseem Shah
- Khurram Shehzad
- Muhammad Abbas
