Pakistan’s red-ball squad has ramped up its preparations for the upcoming Test series against South Africa with a scenario-based two-day practice match at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The session, held as part of the ongoing training camp, was designed to mirror real match conditions and test players in pressure situations ahead of what promises to be a challenging home series.
The camp, which began on September 30, is scheduled to run until October 8. After four straight days of rigorous training, the players will take a breather tomorrow before regrouping for the final stretch of practice. Coaches and team management have reportedly focused on simulating game-like scenarios, ranging from batting under scoreboard pressure to handling spin-friendly conditions expected on Pakistani pitches.
The two-Test series, beginning October 12 in Lahore, will also mark the start of Pakistan’s new ICC Test Championship cycle. The second Test is slated for Rawalpindi from October 20–24. For the hosts, the series carries extra weight as they look to build momentum under the leadership of Shan Masood and erase memories of recent inconsistencies in red-ball cricket.
South Africa arrive as defending Test Championship winners, but Pakistan will take confidence from their 2–0 victory when the Proteas last toured in 2021. With conditions again tipped to favor spinners, the likes of Abrar Ahmed and Nauman Ali could prove decisive alongside Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi. On the batting front, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel and captain Shan Masood remain central to the team’s hopes.
The visiting side, led by Aiden Markram, will rely heavily on their experienced pace attack spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, while Dewald Brevis adds fresh energy to the squad. Keshav Maharaj, their premier spinner, is set to feature in the second Test, boosting their options against Pakistan’s traditionally strong players of pace.
Following the Test leg, both teams will also contest white-ball series, with T20Is and ODIs scheduled later this month.
