Pakistan present their XI for the Boxing Day test against South Africa

Article Updated On:

December 25 2024

Published On:

December 25 2024

Pakistan have presented their playing XI for the long-awaited first test against South Africawhich will begin on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion. The Boxing Day Test marks the start of a crucial two-match series in the 2023-25 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

Page Contents

Shan Masood ready to lead Pakistan team

Shan Masood He will lead the team and assume the reins of captaincy in this high-risk contest. The team has a balanced mix of experienced players and emerging talents. The batting line-up includes stalwarts Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will also act as the wicketkeeper.

Saim Ayub and Saud Shakeel bring youthful energy to the batting line-up, while Salman Ali Agha provides an additional all-round option. The bowling unit features a potent combination of pace and precision, with players like Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas and Khurram Shahzad leading the attack. All-rounder Aamer Jamal adds depth to the team, ensuring a versatile line-up for Pakistan.

Current test form and previous encounter.

In their previous five Test matches, Pakistan recorded 2 wins and faced 3 losses, while South Africa remained unbeaten, winning their last five games.

The two teams last met in the second Test of South Africa’s tour of Pakistan in the 2021 two-Test series. During that match, Aiden Markram emerged as South Africa’s best player, scoring a brilliant century in the second innings , while Mohammad Rizwan led the way for Pakistan with an unbeaten ton of 115.