Pakistan’s Test squad for the upcoming multi-format tour of South Africa has been announced, with Babar Azam and Naseem Shah making a return. However, the talented fast bowler Shaheen Afridi has been named only in the white-ball squads as part of his workload management strategy in preparation for the Champions Trophy next year.
After suffering an innings defeat to England in the first Test in Multan, Pakistan made some changes to their squad and managed to bounce back by preparing spin-friendly wickets for the remaining two matches. Babar Azam, skipper Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Saim Ayub are the only players to feature in all three squads.
In addition to Azam and Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Mir Hamza have also been included in the Test squad. Offspinner Sajid Khan, who was named Player of the Series against England in October, has been left out in favor of the lone spinner Noman Ali, based on the expected conditions in Cape Town and Centurion.
Abbas, who last played for Pakistan in August 2021, has been in outstanding form in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, picking up 31 wickets in five games for Lahore B this season. Shahzad also joins the squad in good form after scalping 15 wickets for Pakistan Shaheens against Sri Lanka A last month.
Meanwhile, in the ODI squad, Sufiyan Muqeem has earned his maiden call-up following an impressive performance in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe. The Pakistan T20I squad will head directly to South Africa from Zimbabwe after the completion of the third match on December 6, while the Test squad will arrive on December 13.
The tour, scheduled from December 10 to January 7, will see Pakistan play three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. Shan Masood will lead the Test squad, while Mohammad Rizwan will captain the white-ball sides.
The Test squad includes players such as Saud Shakeel, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Naseem Shah, and more. The ODI squad features names like Haris Rauf, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Usman Khan, while the T20I squad includes players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Mohammad Rizwan.
Overall, the Pakistan squad looks well-balanced and ready to take on the challenge of facing South Africa in their own backyard. Fans will be eager to see how the team performs across all formats during this highly anticipated tour.
Pakistan’s Squad for South Africa Tour: A Closer Look
As Pakistan gears up for their multi-format tour of South Africa, all eyes are on the recently announced squad. The return of Babar Azam and Naseem Shah has injected a sense of excitement and anticipation among fans. With Shaheen Afridi’s workload management strategy in place, the team is strategically balancing experience and potential for the upcoming challenges.
Following a tough defeat to England in the first Test, Pakistan made strategic changes to their squad and managed to turn the tide in their favor by preparing spin-friendly wickets. The inclusion of players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Saim Ayub signals a sense of continuity and stability in the team across all formats.
Notable additions to the Test squad, such as Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad, and Mir Hamza, bring a mix of experience and recent form. Abbas, who has been in exceptional form in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, and Shahzad, who impressed against Sri Lanka A, add depth to the bowling attack. The exclusion of Sajid Khan in favor of Noman Ali reflects the team’s strategy based on the expected playing conditions in South Africa.
In the ODI squad, the inclusion of Sufiyan Muqeem after his standout performance in the ongoing T20I series against Zimbabwe highlights the team’s focus on rewarding promising talent. The seamless transition of the T20I squad from Zimbabwe to South Africa, followed by the arrival of the Test squad, showcases a well-coordinated and efficient approach by the management.
With a packed schedule including three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests, Pakistan’s squad is set to face a comprehensive test of their skills and resilience. Shan Masood leading the Test squad and Mohammad Rizwan captaining the white-ball sides bring a sense of leadership and direction to the team across different formats.
Players like Saud Shakeel, Haris Rauf, and Shaheen Shah Afridi are expected to play crucial roles in their respective formats, showcasing their versatility and adaptability as key members of the squad. The blend of experience and youth in the team promises an exciting display of cricketing prowess during the tour.
Overall, the Pakistan squad for the South Africa tour appears well-balanced and prepared to take on the challenges ahead. With a mix of seasoned campaigners and emerging talents, the team is poised to make a strong statement on the international stage. Fans eagerly await to see how Pakistan performs across all formats during this highly anticipated tour.
