Pakistan announced their playing XI for the much awaited first Test against South AfricaIt will begin on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The Boxing Day Test marks the start of an important two-match series in the 2023-25 ​​ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Shan Masood is set to lead the Pakistan team
Shan Massoud will take the reins of captaincy and lead the side in this high-stakes contest. The team has a balanced combination of experienced players and new talent. The batting line-up includes stalwarts like Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will also serve as wicketkeepers.
Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel bring youthful energy to the batting line-up, while Salman Ali Agha provides an additional all-rounder option. The bowling unit has a strong mix of pace and accuracy with Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas and others. Cheers Prince leading the attack. All-rounder Aamer Jamal provides depth to the squad, providing a versatile squad for Pakistan.
Current Test form and previous match
In their previous five Test matches, Pakistan have won 2 and lost 3, while South Africa have won all their last five matches to remain unbeaten.
The two teams last met in the second Test of South Africa’s tour of Pakistan in the 2021 two-Test series. During that encounter, Aiden Markram emerged as South Africa’s best performer, scoring a brilliant century in the second innings, while Mohammad Rizwan led Pakistan with an unbeaten ton of 115.
Also READ: South Africa announce XI for Boxing Day Test against Pakistan; Corbin Bosch will make his debut
Pakistan’s XI for the first Test against South Africa:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Muhammad Rizwan (week)
- Saud Shakil
- Salman Ali Agha
- Amer Jamal
- Nasim Shah
- Cheers Prince
- Muhammad Abbas
