LAHORE: Pakistan skipper Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat first in the opening Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, launching Pakistan’s World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign.
Pakistan fielded two frontline spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali leading the pace attack. Sajid returned after recovering from a viral infection.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test Toss Update
Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat first at Gaddafi Stadium Lahore ️#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/APd3bGzzgC
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 12, 2025
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, opted for a spin-heavy lineup featuring Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen, while Kagiso Rabada and Wiaan Mulder will share the new ball.
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Shan Masood said Pakistan would focus on taking 20 wickets rather than chasing big totals. “We don’t want flat tracks where matches end in draws,” he remarked.
Markram admitted his side was less familiar with subcontinent conditions but called the challenge “exciting and a great opportunity.”
Playing XI for the VGOTEL Mobile Presents Bank Alfalah Test Series 2025 opener vs South Africa#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/k2f3l1r7Bt
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 12, 2025
This Test marks Lahore’s first WTC fixture since 2022, when Pakistan faced Australia. South Africa last toured Pakistan in 2021, losing the series 2–0.
The second and final Test will be played in Rawalpindi from October 20.