Defending World Test Champions South Africa begin their title defence in the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle (2025–27) with a two-match series against Pakistan, starting at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Sunday.
This marks the teams’ first meeting since South Africa’s stirring triumph over Australia in the WTC final earlier this year — and also their first Test series since that title win. For hosts Pakistan, it is the start of another challenging home campaign as they seek to turn promise into consistency.
Masood Upbeat Despite Recent Struggles
Pakistan come into the contest after a mixed home season, having drawn 1-1 with the West Indies. Captain Shan Masood believes the clash against the reigning champions offers a perfect benchmark for his side.
It’s a good opportunity for us to start against the defending champions. It will be a good yardstick for us, especially if we can get a good result against them.
Pakistan will be boosted by the return of Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, both back in the Test fold after being dropped from the recent white-ball series. The experienced pair adds solidity to a line-up featuring Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, and veteran all-rounder Asif Afridi, alongside emerging names like Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir.
Spin To Play A Decisive Role
With the pitch in Lahore expected to assist spin, Pakistan are likely to go with three spinners — possibly Abrar Ahmed, Noman Ali and Asif Afridi — alongside two pacers, led by Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali.
However, Masood’s biggest challenge will be his team’s inconsistent conversion rate. Since 2022, Pakistan have managed just six wins in 24 Tests, including only three victories at home — a worrying trend they’ll aim to reverse against top opposition.
Markram Steps Up As Skipper; Maharaj Absence A Blow
South Africa, meanwhile, will be led by Aiden Markram in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma, who is recovering from a calf injury. Their preparations have been thorough, with a focus on adapting to subcontinent conditions.
Preparation has been good. We had a camp back home where we tried to simulate conditions as best as we could. There was a lot of focus on spin play and our spinners getting used to the ball turning more than it does in South Africa.
The absence of Keshav Maharaj, their premier spinner, is a major setback, but South Africa still boast solid options in Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen, and Senuran Muthusamy. The pace attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada (ranked No. 2 in the world), also features Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch.
Strong Batting Depth Gives Proteas Confidence
On the batting front, the visitors will rely on a blend of experience and youth — with Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verreynne, and Wiaan Mulder joining young talents Dewald Brevis and Tony de Zorzi. This is South Africa’s first Test tour to Pakistan since 2021, when the hosts recorded a clean sweep. With that memory fresh, the Proteas will be keen to reverse the script.
Head-To-Head And Outlook
Of the 30 Tests between the sides, South Africa hold a dominant record, winning 17 to Pakistan’s six, with seven draws. Their encounters in WTC cycles stand even at two apiece. The second and final Test will be played in Rawalpindi.
Probable XIs: Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi. South Africa: Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Dewald Brevis, David Bedingham (wk), Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Prenelan Subrayen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada.
