In a significant move during the second Test, Pakistan opted to bat first against South Africa in Rawalpindi. Captain Shan Masood won the toss on a pitch expected to display pronounced abrasive qualities. South Africa’s stand-in captain, Aiden Markram, while acknowledging the toss’s importance, stated, “You can’t believe that,” indicating that it does not guarantee victory.
Team Changes and Strategy
Pakistan made a notable change in their lineup by giving a Test debut to 38-year-old Asif Afridi, a left-arm spinner with an impressive record of 198 first-class wickets. He replaced Hasan Ali, which meant Pakistan went with only one fast bowler, Shaheen Shah Afridi. This adjustment reflects their strategy, aiming to leverage the spin-friendly conditions of the pitch.
On the South African side, Keshav Maharaj returned to the squad after recovering from a groin injury, replacing off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen. His inclusion adds depth to their spin attack, which already features Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy. South Africa altered their batting order as well, promoting Tristan Stubbs to No. 3, a position he filled last season.
Match Context
This Test match holds importance as Pakistan leads the two-match series 1-0. South Africa has yet to earn points in their World Test Championship title defense. The outcome of this match could significantly impact both teams’ standings.
Playing XI
| Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|
| 1. Abdullah Shafique | 1. Aiden Markram (capt) |
| 2. Imam-ul-Haq | 2. Ryan Rickelton |
| 3. Shan Masood (capt) | 3. Tristan Stubbs |
| 4. Babar Azam | 4. Tony de Zorzi |
| 5. Saud Shakeel | 5. Dewald Brevis |
| 6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk) | 6. Kyle Verreynne (wk) |
| 7. Salman Agha | 7. Marco Jansen |
| 8. Noman Ali | 8. Keshav Maharaj |
| 9. Asif Afridi | 9. Senuran Muthusamy |
| 10. Shaheen Shah Afridi | 10. Simon Harmer |
| 11. Sajid Khan | 11. Kagiso Rabada |
This Test presents a crucial moment for both teams as they look to establish dominance in the series and earn vital points in the ongoing World Test Championship.
