The new format, experienced players, and playing at home can all give Pakistan cricket a new chance. On October 12, at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, Pakistan will start their 2025–27 World Test Championship (WTC) campaign against South Africa. The players have been working hard at Pakistan’s historic cricket ground and have also played in a four-day scenario match to get ready for the series. This will be South Africa’s first Test series in Pakistan since January 2021, when they won the series 2–0 against the Greenshirts. Pakistan aim to start the new WTC cycle on a winning note, and this could become a reality if they combine home advantage optimally with effective planning. This two-match series is also essential for Pakistan because it will set the tone for their World Test Championship journey from 2025 to 2027. This series holds special significance as international cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years, marking the historic move.
Team Squads
Pakistan announced an 18-member squad for the Test series against South Africa on September 30. However, following the release of all-rounder Aamir Jamal and spinner Faisal Akram, the squad has now been finalised with 16 players.
Under the leadership of Shan Masood, star batter Babar Azam and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan will be in action. Moreover, openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, along with Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, and the newly selected wicketkeeper Rohail Nazir, strengthen the batting lineup.
On the bowling front, Shaheen Shah Afridi will spearhead the pace attack alongside Hasan Ali and Khurram Shahzad. While spinners Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Asif Ali are expected to weave their spin magic against the Proteas.
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Proteas, on the other hand, landed in Lahore on September 8 with a 16-member squad for the upcoming two-match Test series. In-form captain Aiden Markram will be leading the side, bringing both confidence and a fighting spirit to the camp. The touring squad features a strong mix of experience and youth, including David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne (wk). With this balanced lineup, South Africa will look to adapt quickly to the subcontinental conditions and make a strong start to their 2025–27 World Test Championship journey.
Head-to-head
Pakistan and South Africa have clashed in 30 Test matches in total. South Africa have dominated, winning 17 of those, while Pakistan have emerged victorious in 6 matches. The remaining 7 matches ended in draws.
Pitch condition (expected)
During a press conference at Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan’s red-ball coach Azhar Mahmood shared his thoughts on the pitch conditions for the upcoming Test series. He said, “This pitch will not behave like the one in Multan, which was completely spin-friendly. Here, the surface will offer some assistance to spinners, but that will mostly come into play on the fourth and fifth days of the match.”
This statement suggests that Pakistan might go with a balanced bowling combination, relying on both pace and spin options to make the most of the conditions
