South Africa Tour of Pakistan: 1st Test Match Preview, Pakistan vs South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, starting October 12th.
South Africa currently ranks 2nd in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings with a rating of 115. In recent times, the Proteas have demonstrated exceptional form in Test cricket, notably winning their away series against Zimbabwe 2-0 and clinching the World Test Championship Final. Key players such as Aiden Markram, Corbin Bosch, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada are in strong form, making South Africa favorites in this Test series.
Pakistan vs South Africa Players to Watch:
- Aiden Markram – A rare talent capable of playing long innings, Markram will be pivotal with the bat for South Africa.
- Keshav Maharaj – A potent spinner, Maharaj can be a decisive threat on spin-friendly pitches and has been performing well recently.
Pakistan holds the 7th spot in the ICC Men’s Test Team Rankings with a rating of 78. Their recent Test form is moderate, having drawn a two-match home series 1-1 against the West Indies. Pakistan enters the series as underdogs but their spinners could challenge South Africa significantly.
- Abrar Ahmed – A rising star in international cricket, Ahmed’s ability to move the ball both ways makes him a valuable asset.
- Kamran Ghulam – Known for shaping innings well in the red-ball game, Ghulam is expected to be a leading run-scorer for Pakistan.
Pakistan vs South Africa Squads:
South Africa (Tests)
Aiden Markram (captain), 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 (wicketkeeper), Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper)
Pakistan (Tests)
Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afrid, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wicketkeeper), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi