Pakistan Vs South Africa Test Series 2025: In a highly anticipated move ahead of the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27, Pakistan’s national selection committee has announced an 18-member squad for the upcoming two-Test series against reigning champions South Africa. The series, commencing on 12 October, promises intense action as Pakistan looks to assert itself on home soil.
Shan Masood will continue in his role as captain, bringing experience and stability to a squad that also features three newcomers: Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir. The final squad for the first Test will be trimmed closer to the start date, maintaining the team’s competitive edge.
Complete Pakistan Squad for the South Africa Tour
The squad combines seasoned international stars with emerging talent, reflecting Pakistan’s strategy of blending experience with fresh energy:
- Captain: Shan Masood
- Batsmen: Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Saud Shakeel
- All-Rounders: Aamir Jamal, Salman Ali Agha
- Fast Bowlers: Hasan Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Asif Afridi
- Spinners: Sajid Khan, Noman Ali
- Wicket-Keepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Rohail Nazir
The squad will gather for a pre-series training camp starting today, under the guidance of red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood and National Cricket Academy (NCA) coaches. Players who participated in the recent ACC Men’s T20 Asia Cup will join the camp on 4 October, ensuring full-team cohesion before the first Test.
South Africa Tour Schedule
The two-Test series will take place at iconic Pakistani venues, followed by a white-ball leg comprising T20Is and ODIs:
Test Matches:
- First Test: 12–16 October, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Second Test: 20–24 October, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
T20 International Series:
- 28 October – First T20I, Rawalpindi
- 31 October – Second T20I, Lahore
- 1 November – Third T20I, Lahore
ODI Series:
- 4 November – First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- 6 November – Second ODI, Faisalabad
- 8 November – Third ODI, Faisalabad
The white-ball squad will be announced later, giving selectors flexibility to evaluate player form and fitness.
Historical Context: Pakistan vs South Africa in Test Cricket
Pakistan and South Africa share a rich history of competitive encounters in Test cricket. Historically, South Africa has dominated in overseas conditions, while Pakistan has often been formidable at home, leveraging spin-friendly pitches and home-ground advantage.
The last few ICC World Test Championship cycles have highlighted Pakistan’s evolving strategy of nurturing young talent while relying on experienced campaigners. The inclusion of uncapped players such as Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir signals Pakistan’s intent to broaden its talent pool ahead of global tournaments.
Expert Analysis: Key Players to Watch
Shan Masood – Leadership and Stability
As captain, Masood brings composure and tactical acumen. His experience against top-tier fast bowling will be crucial against a South African attack known for pace and bounce.
Babar Azam – Middle-Order Anchor
One of Pakistan’s most reliable batsmen, Babar Azam is expected to anchor innings and build partnerships, especially under pressure in high-stakes matches.
Emerging Talent – Making an Impact
- Asif Afridi and Faisal Akram: Both pacers could strengthen Pakistan’s pace attack, offering fresh energy and unpredictability.
- Rohail Nazir: As a wicket-keeper batsman, Nazir brings versatility and aggressive stroke play, potentially reshaping Pakistan’s middle-order strategy.
Bowling Attack – Spin and Pace Balance
Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali will lead the pace attack, while spinners Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan aim to exploit Pakistan’s historically spin-friendly pitches. This balance of fast and spin bowling will be critical in countering South Africa’s powerful batting lineup.
Broader Implications for Pakistan Cricket
This series marks an important phase in Pakistan’s cricket calendar. Beyond testing individual performances, the matches serve as a benchmark for team dynamics, fitness levels, and strategic planning ahead of the 2027 ICC World Test Championship finale. Success against a top-ranked South African team would bolster Pakistan’s WTC standings and boost confidence for future home and away series.
Furthermore, the careful integration of uncapped players indicates a long-term vision focused on sustained team growth, which is vital for maintaining Pakistan’s competitive edge on the global stage.
Conclusion: Looking Ahead
As Pakistan prepares to host South Africa in what promises to be a thrilling contest, fans can expect high-intensity cricket, emerging stars making their mark, and seasoned players leading by example. With the Test series kicking off on 12 October at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, the team’s performance will set the tone for the subsequent white-ball matches.
For Pakistan, blending experience with youth may prove decisive—not just for this series, but for establishing a resilient and dynamic squad capable of competing at the highest level across formats. Cricket enthusiasts worldwide will be watching closely, anticipating a series filled with memorable performances and strategic brilliance.
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