Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bat first against South Africa in the second Test match of the ongoing series. The national team, already leading 1-0 after a 93-run win in the first Test, made one major change, left-arm spinner Asif Afridi has been included in the playing XI, replacing Hasan Ali to make his long-awaited Test debut.
The decision to bat first reflects Pakistan’s confidence following their strong performance in the opening match. Top-order batters Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, and Shan Masood will aim to set a solid foundation as the team looks to extend its advantage in the ICC World Test Championship. The match is part of South Africa’s 2025-26 tour of Pakistan and is being played in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24, starting at 10 a.m. local time each day.
It was a special moment for 38-year-old Asif Afridi, who finally received his Test cap and became Pakistan’s second-oldest debutant in history at 38 years and 299 days. His debut follows Miran Bakhsh, who played his first Test at 47 years and 284 days. Afridi’s left-arm spin and years of domestic experience add variety and depth to Pakistan’s bowling attack, which also includes Shaheen Shah Afridi, Sajid Khan, and Noman Ali.
Pakistan’s final playing XI includes Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Asif Afridi, and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Meanwhile, South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, is determined to bounce back and level the series after their defeat in the first Test. Their lineup combines both experience and young talent, featuring players such as Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
The second Test promises to be an exciting contest as both teams battle for dominance, with Pakistan looking to secure the series and South Africa fighting to stay in contention.
