The first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to begin on October 12, and the national team management has started finalizing the list of probable players. Both teams are set to hold their training session this afternoon at Gaddafi Stadium, where strategies will be refined ahead of the opening match.
According to sources, the team management is planning to field a balanced squad and is considering going with two regular fast bowlers and two spinners. Interim head coach Azhar Mahmood has reportedly been impressed with spinner Asif Afridi’s performance in the nets and is in favor of handing him his Test debut.
The likely playing XI includes Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq as openers, with Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel expected to anchor the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan is being considered as a wicketkeeper, while Salman Ali Agha provides an all-round option. Sajid Khan and Nauman Ali are under consideration for spin duties, while Shaheen Shah Afridi and Khurram Shehzad are likely to lead the pace attack.
Team management is expected to announce the final XI soon, with conditions and pitch behavior likely to play a key role in the selection process.
