Lahore (Web Desk): The Pakistan Cricket Board on Saturday named playing XI for the opening Test against South Africa, which will kick off on December 26 at SuperSport Park in Centurion.
Babar Azam makes his return to the team after missing out on the last few matches, including Pakistan's recent series against England.
He steps in for Abdullah Shafique, whose recent form in the ODI series has been disappointing, failing to register any significant scores.
Shan Masood will take on the captaincy role, with Muhammad Rizwan offering his experience behind the stumps and in the middle order.
Saim Ayub, fresh off an outstanding performance in the ODI series, where he claimed Player of the Series honors for his 235-run performance, has earned a spot in the lineup.
Pakistan will take an aggressive approach with an entirely pace-based attack, featuring Naseem Shah, Muhammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Aamer Jamal. Alongside them, all-rounder Salman Ali Agha brings balance to the side, while Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam round out the batting options, completing the lineup for the challenging contest against South Africa.
Playing XIs
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch