Shaheen Afridi Set to Return as Pakistan Host South Africa for Two-Test Series in Lahore

A two-match Test series is scheduled between Pakistan and South Africa. The first match will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore from October 12th to 16th. Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to return to the Pakistan Test team after nearly 17 months for this Test.

Pakistan may field two spinners and two fast bowlers in the first Test against South Africa. Despite the spin-friendly pitch and discussions about including four specialist spinners in the 16-member squad, the Pakistani team management has decided to maintain balance in the bowling.

Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to open the innings with Khurram Shahzad, while experienced spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan will handle the spin duties. The 25-year-old Shaheen Shah Afridi last played a Test for Pakistan in May 2024 against England. In fact, the left-arm pacer has played just four Tests since December 2023.

This is the first clash between the two teams in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle. South Africa will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, and Aiden Markram, who scored a century in the WTC final, will lead the team in his place.

The Pakistan team management is yet to announce the playing XI for the first Test against South Africa, but it is expected to include Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, and Sajid Khan.

Pakistan - Shan Masood (captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.