In a surprising move, Pakistan has chosen veteran spinners Asif Afridi and Noman Ali for the first Test against South Africa. The match is set to commence on October 12, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Veteran Spinners Included in the Playing XI
Both Afridi and Ali bring extensive experience to the team. Afridi, at 38 years old, has taken 198 wickets in 57 firstclass matches with an impressive average of 25.49. His inclusion comes after overcoming a previous ban related to anticorruption regulations.
Noman Ali, 39 years old, has claimed 83 wickets across 19 Tests, maintaining an average of 24.75. His experience will be critical as Pakistan seeks to strengthen its spin attack against South Africa.
Changes to the Squad
Initially, Sajid Khan was expected to partner with Noman Ali. However, Khan has been ruled out due to a viral fever, paving the way for Asif Afridi to make his Test debut.
Pakistan has also made noteworthy changes to their batting lineup. After missing the Asia Cup, Babar Azam and Muhammad Rizwan return, enhancing the team’s batting depth. They will likely play pivotal roles in the middle order.
Pakistan’s Expected Lineup
The anticipated playing XI for the first Test against South Africa includes:
- ImamulHaq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Hasan Ali
- Noman Ali
- Asif Afridi
Strategic Shift Ahead of the Test Series
Pakistan is determined to shift their fortunes after finishing at the bottom of the previous World Test Championship cycle. With a focus on spinfriendly pitches, they aim to exploit the conditions against the defending champions.
As the series begins, fans will be keenly watching how these veteran players adapt and perform under pressure. The first Test promises to set the tone for a new chapter in Pakistan’s Test cricket journey.