Pakistan vs South Africa: Pakistan Prepares for Test Challenge Against South Africa After ODI Triumph Without Shaheen Afridi

Pakistan had a dominant 3-0 win in the ODI series against South Africa, led by Mohammad Rizwan. However, the upcoming Test series will be much tougher, as South Africa are strong at home in red-ball cricket. As the Men in Green prepare for the challenging series, let’s take a look at their strongest possible playing XI for the first Test.

Shaheen Afridi is not included in Pakistan’s Test squad, so Mir Hamza will take his place. Hamza impressed with the new ball in Australia earlier this year. He is expected to be joined by Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah, while Noman Ali is likely to lead the spin attack for Pakistan in the upcoming Test series.

Abdullah Shafique has struggled with the bat on Pakistan’s tour of South Africa, failing to score in three consecutive ODIs. His form in Tests this year has also been poor, with just 174 runs at an average of 15.82. Due to his ongoing struggles, Pakistan may drop him for the first Test.

Pakistan’s Strongest Playing XI For 1st Test vs South Africa

Shan Masood (C), Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, Mir Hamza.

Skipper Shan Masood may open the batting alongside aggressive Saim Ayub. Kamran Ghulam, who scored a stunning century on debut, is expected to bat at number three. Star batter Babar Azam, successful in the past at number four, could make his Test comeback in that position.