WEB DESK: Pakistan has finalized its playing XI for the first Test in the World Test Championship 2025–27 cycle, set to commence tomorrow at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium against defending champions South Africa.
Reports suggest that the team will enter the match with a 7–2–2 combination, comprising seven batters, two pacers, and two spinners, for the inaugural game of the two-match series.
A key highlight is the debut of 38-year-old Asif Afridi, who replaces Sajid Khan, sidelined due to viral fever. Asif, a left-arm spinner from Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has been selected in recognition of his exceptional domestic performances, having taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. He will team up with fellow left-arm spinner Noman Ali as part of Pakistan’s spin attack.
On the fast-bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi makes his return to Test cricket after a year-long hiatus and will spearhead the pace unit alongside Hasan Ali, whose last Test appearance was in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.
Opening duties will be handled by Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, while Shan Masood and Babar Azam are set to hold the middle order. Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Ali Agha strengthen the lower middle order, offering both depth in batting and versatility in bowling options.
