Asif Afridi Expected to Debut as Pakistan Fields Seven Batters, Two Pacers, and Two Spinners

Sources indicate that bowling all-rounder Asif Afridi is likely to debut for Pakistan in the opening Test of the two-match series against South Africa.

The initial Test match, scheduled from October 12 to 16 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, will commence Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 journey.

Pakistan’s captain, Shan Masood, along with South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, revealed the series trophy at the National Cricket Academy in Lahore.

Under Shan Masood’s leadership, Pakistan will likely employ a strategy featuring seven batsmen, a pair of fast bowlers, and two spin bowlers. Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan is sidelined due to a viral fever and Asif will take his place, marking his Test debut.

The 38-year-old left-arm spinner has claimed 198 wickets across 57 first-class matches, maintaining an average of 25.49. He is expected to collaborate with the seasoned Nauman Ali, aged 39, who possesses 83 wickets from 19 Tests, averaging 24.75.

In terms of fast bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi is anticipated to rejoin the Test team after a year. The left-arm pacer, with 116 wickets in 31 Tests, is set to partner with Hasan Ali, who has secured 80 wickets in 24 Tests and participated in his most recent Test in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney, to share the new ball.

Left-handed opener Imam-ul-Haq, whose last appearance for Pakistan in the game’s longest format was in December 2023, is also projected to return to the playing XI.

South Africa is presently touring Pakistan for a series encompassing all formats.

The first Test is scheduled from October 12 to 16 at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, while the subsequent Test will occur at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

Pakistan’s Predicted Playing XI for the First Test:

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.