PAK vs SA 1st Test: Pakistan Announces Playing XI For First Test

The PAK vs SA 1st Test is set to begin on 26th December at 1 PM (PST). After sealing the ODI series 3-0, the Men in Green would be excited to take on the Proteas in the longest format of the game. 

South Africa won the T20I series 2-0, but lost the following three matches, so they need to be in a winning mindset to seal the series on a high note. 

The Pakistan Cricket Board revealed the playing XI for the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st test which featured the comeback of various key players including star batsman Babar Azam and pacer Mohammad Abbas. 

The Boxing Day Test will be played at the Supersport Park from 26th December to 30th December.

Opening batsman Abdullah Shafique who last played in the PAK vs BAN test series has been dropped this time due to his underwhelming form and performance in the Pakistan vs South Africa ODI series. 

As per reports, skipper Shan Masood will open the innings alongwith ODI series star performer Saim Ayub. 

Moreover, Babar Azam who was dropped in the Pakistan vs England 2nd and 3rd test matches has returned back to the squad. 

The rest of the batting order remains the same as that played in the last two Tests against England featuring Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel and Salman Ali Agha.

As far as the bowling department is concerned, veteran pacer Mohammad Abbas who last played for Pakistan test team in 2021 will make a comeback in the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st test. 

Pakistan’s bowling attack will feature pace majority with Naseem Shah, Khurram Shehzad, and Aamir Jamal joining Mohammad Abbas. 

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.

South Africa Playing XI: Temba Bavuma (c), Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch