Table of Contents
Pakistan have unveiled their playing XI for the much-anticipated first Test against South Africa, set to commence on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The Boxing Day Test marks the start o🙈f 𒈔a crucial two-match series in the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.
Shan Masood set to lead the Pakistan team
Shan Masood will lead the side, taking over the captaincy reins for this high-stakes contest. The team boasts a balanced combination of experienced players and emerging talent. The batting lineup includes stalwarts such as Babar Azam, 🔥Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will also serve as the wicketkeeper.
Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel bring youthful energy to the batting line-up, while Salman Ali Agha provides an additional all-round option. The bowling unit features a potent mix of pace and precision, with the likes of Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad spearheading the attack. All-rounder Aamer Jamal adds d꧂epth to the team, ensuring a versatile lineup for Pakistan.
Current Test form and previous encounter
In their previous five Test matches, Pakistan registered 2 victories and faced 3 defeats, while So🦋uth Africa remained unbeaten, winning all five of their last games♎.
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 top performer, scoring a brilliant century in the second innings, while Mohammad Rizwan led the way for Pakistan with an unbeaten ton of 115.
Also READ: South Africa announces p𒐪laying XI for the Boxing-Day Test against Pakistan; Corbin Bosh to debut
Here’s Pakistan’s playing XI for the first Test against South Africa:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Kamran Ghulam
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Saud Shakeel
- Salman Ali Agha
- Aamer Jamal
- Naseem Shah
- Khurram Shahzad
- Mohammad Abbas
