Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat first against South Africa in the second Test of the ongoing series.
The national side, leading 1-0 after a 93-run victory in the first Test, has made one key change — left-arm spinner Asif Afridi comes in for Hasan Ali to make his Test debut.
Pakistan’s decision to bat first in the second Test reflects the team’s confidence following a solid performance in the opening match. The home side’s top order — Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Shan Masood — will aim to build on their previous success as they look to extend their lead in the ICC World Test Championship series.
The match, part of South Africa’s tour of Pakistan for the 2025/26 season, is being played from October 20 to 24 under standard five-day Test conditions, with play starting at 10 a.m. local time.
Asif Afridi’s emotional test debut
In a heartwarming moment for fans, 38-year-old Asif Afridi finally received his Test cap, becoming Pakistan’s second-oldest debutant in history. At 38 years and 299 days, Afridi follows Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days.
Known for his consistent domestic performances and left-arm spin variations, Afridi’s inclusion adds depth to Pakistan’s bowling lineup, which already features Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali.
He replaces Hasan Ali, who was left out for this Test. Pakistan’s final XI includes Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Asif Afridi, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
South Africa fields a balanced side
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will look to level the series after losing the first Test by 93 runs. Their lineup features a mix of youth and experience, including Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
