PAK vs SA Test series: Pakistan face South Africa in 1st Test today
Pakistan is set to kick off a two-match Test series against South Africa with the Boxing Day Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, starting today at 1pm PKT. This high-stakes series, part of the ICC World Test Championship, promises to be a fiercely competitive affair as both teams aim to solidify their standings.
Pakistan enters the Test series on the back of a historic 3-0 whitewash against South Africa in the One-Day International (ODI) series, a morale-boosting performance after a 2-0 loss in the preceding T20I series. The Test squad, which arrived in South Africa on December 13, has had ample time to acclimatize to local conditions and prepare for one of the toughest overseas challenges.
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The Test squad sees the return of experienced fast bowler Mohammad Abbas, who last represented Pakistan in August 2021. Abbas forced his way back into the team with an outstanding domestic season, taking 31 wickets in five Quaid-e-Azam Trophy matches. Another notable return is Khurram Shahzad, who recovered from an injury that sidelined him during the home series against England.
Aqib Javed, the interim head coach of the Pakistan men’s team, will lead the team in this red-ball series after taking charge during the white-ball series against Zimbabwe last month.
Pakistan and South Africa have faced off in 12 Test series since 1995. South Africa has dominated, winning seven series compared to Pakistan’s two victories, with three ending in draws. However, in their most recent encounter in January-February 2021, Pakistan secured a 2-0 victory at home.
Pakistan Test captain Shan Masood expressed optimism ahead of the series, citing momentum from recent performances. “We are eager to measure ourselves against South Africa, one of the top sides in the world. The return of pacers Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas adds strength to our side,” he stated.
Masood highlighted the team’s thorough preparations, noting their early arrival in South Africa to adapt to challenging conditions. “We know South Africa has done well in this iteration of the ICC World Test Championship, but we are prepared to compete and aim for positive results,” he added.
Pakistan Test squad
Shan Masood (captain), Saud Shakeel (vice-captain), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub and Salman Ali Agha
Schedule of matches:
First Test — Dec 26 to Dec 30 at the SuperSport Park, Centurion at 1pm PKT
Second Test — Jan 3 to Jan 7 at the Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town at 1pm PKT
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