RAWALPINDI:
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat first in the second Test of the ongoing series against South Africa, being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.
Leading the series 1-0 after a 93-run victory in the first Test, Pakistan made a single change — left-arm spinner Asif Afridi replaced Hasan Ali, making his long-awaited Test debut at the age of 38 years and 299 days.
Masood said the decision to bat first reflected the team’s confidence after their solid showing in the opening match. Pakistan’s top order — Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Shan Masood — will look to build on their earlier form and strengthen the team’s position in the ICC World Test Championship standings.
Asif Afridi’s emotional debut
In a heartwarming moment for fans, Asif Afridi received his Test cap, becoming Pakistan’s second-oldest debutant after Miran Bakhsh, who debuted at 47 years and 284 days. Known for his consistency in domestic cricket and sharp left-arm spin, Afridi adds crucial variety to Pakistan’s attack alongside Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali.
Pakistan’s playing XI includes: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Asif Afridi, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
South Africa aim to bounce back
South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, are eager to level the series after losing the first Test by 93 runs. Their lineup features a balance of youth and experience, including Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
Play began at 10 a.m. local time, with both teams aiming to seize early momentum in what promises to be a closely contested encounter.
