Pakistan and South Africa are set to lock horns in the first Test of their two-match series starting October 12, at the renowned Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Team Overview: Pakistan looks strong at home, South Africa faces challenge
Pakistan enter the match confident after winning both Tests at home against South Africa in 2021 and recent strong performances in home conditions. Shan Masood, leading the side, brings tactical acumen and steadiness at the top alongside Imam-ul-Haq. The batting middle order, bolstered by captain Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, forms a solid lineup capable of grinding runs or accelerating when required.
The bowling attack blends pace and spin expertly. Shaheen Afridi spearheads the attack with pace and swing, supported by Hasan Ali. The spin department, led by Noman Ali’s impressive track record on home pitches, promises to be a challenge for the visitors after the pitch wears.
South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram in the absence of Temba Bavuma, brings a relatively young squad with few players experienced in subcontinental conditions. Batters such as Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs will look to prove themselves in unfamiliar terrain. Their spin options – Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer and Prenelan Subrayen – are expected to toil hard to make breakthroughs against a Pakistani batting lineup adept at playing spin.
Kagiso Rabada remains South Africa’s pace spearhead, but the team’s overall strength lies in quickly adapting to conditions to support their inexperienced lineup.
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is known for its balanced nature, generally favouring the batters initially but gradually assisting spinners as the match progresses. The surface is expected to be firm and batting-friendly on day one, offering good bounce and carry for the pacers, especially early in the innings. However, as the five days unfold, the pitch traditionally starts to break down, bringing the spinners into play.
Pakistan’s strong spin trio – Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed – will relish the conditions on days three to five, making their role pivotal in the outcome of the game. The seamers, including the dynamic Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, can utilize the morning moisture and reverse swing late in the innings. The average first innings score at this venue is competitive and teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first to set a challenging total.
Weather conditions for the test are forecast to be warm and dry throughout the five days, with minimal rain predicted, ensuring uninterrupted play and a true contest of skills.
Gaddafi Stadium Test Stats and Records
- Total matches: 32
- Matches won batting first: 20
- Matches won bowling first: 12
- Average 1st innings scores: 166
- Average 2nd innings scores: 148
- Highest total recorded: 209/3 (20 Ov) by England vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 94/10 (15.3 Ov) by New Zealand vs Pakistan
- Highest score chased: 197/3 (17.2 Ov) by Pakistan vs Bangladesh
- Lowest score defended: 126/7 (20 Ov) by Pakistan Women vs Bangladesh Women
