Special Correspondent
Test cricket returns to Lahore this Sunday, October 12, 2025, as Pakistan and South Africa face off in the first Test of their two-match series at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, marking the Proteas’ first visit to the country in over four years. The contest not only launches the 2025–27 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle but also revives one of modern cricket’s most intriguing rivalries.
Trophy unveiling sets the stage
A day before the opening match, captains Shan Masood and Aiden Markram jointly unveiled the series trophy at the National Cricket Academy (NCA), symbolizing mutual respect and anticipation ahead of the battle. The moment was followed by a brief tour of the NCA Museum, where Markram was shown Pakistan’s historical cricket milestones. The gesture underlined the shared heritage between two proud cricketing nations preparing for yet another chapter in their long-standing rivalry.
Pakistan’s focus: Spin, patience, and home dominance
Pakistan captain Shan Masood struck a tone of clarity and determination in his pre-match press conference, stressing that discipline, patience, and spin strategy will be central to Pakistan’s approach. With conditions in Lahore expected to favour slow bowlers, Pakistan’s attack — comprising Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, and spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi — looks well equipped to exploit the turning surface.
“We’ve learned lessons from the past and are focused on building momentum at home,” Masood said. “You can’t achieve two years’ worth of work in one day. The next ten days of cricket are about process, adaptability, and smart execution.”
Masood acknowledged that Pakistan’s recent Test form has been inconsistent — a 1-1 draw against West Indies followed by a 2-0 defeat in South Africa — but he believes the squad is settling under his leadership. The top order of Imam-ul-Haq and Masood offers stability, while the middle order of Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Kamran Ghulam brings experience and resilience. Mohammad Rizwan’s presence behind the stumps adds reliability, and Salman Agha provides all-round balance.
The captain also addressed the team’s tactical mindset, emphasizing that winning matches, not just scoring runs, is the real goal. “Flat tracks where both teams make 600 don’t help us. We want result-oriented pitches. Even 50 or 60 runs can be match-defining in these conditions,” he remarked.
Masood hinted at a likely three-spinner, one-seamer combination, depending on pitch behaviour. He also confirmed that off-spinner Sajid Khan, recently recovering from illness, is fit and available for selection.
Markram ready for the spin Test
Across the aisle, South African stand-in captain Aiden Markram exuded calm confidence when addressing reporters, declaring that his side is ready for the unique challenge Pakistan’s conditions present.
“We’re excited about starting our title defense in the WTC, and Pakistan offers the kind of challenge that sharpens a team,” said Markram. “The surfaces here demand patience, technique, and tactical awareness — qualities we’ve been working on.”
Markram admitted that the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma and senior spinner Keshav Maharaj would test South Africa’s depth but viewed it as an opportunity for others to step up. “We’ll miss Temba’s leadership, but it’s a chance for our younger players like Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, and Tristan Stubbs to grow. The same goes for our spinners — they have the chance to make an impression.”
South Africa’s preparations included specialized sessions to adapt to low bounce and sharp turn — key features of subcontinental tracks. “That’s Pakistan’s way of trying to win, and it’s completely fair,” Markram said. “We’re preparing for significant turn, but we’re also focusing on our strengths — fast bowling discipline and countering spin with footwork and intent.”
The Proteas captain also acknowledged Pakistan’s key players, calling Babar Azam a “big wicket” and praising Noman Ali and Sajid Khan for their control and consistency. He added, “We’ll need to stay proactive. The bounce will be lower, and the spin sharper, but that’s the fun part of Test cricket.”
Pakistan’s key players to watch
All eyes will be on Babar Azam, who remains Pakistan’s batting anchor and a proven match-winner at home. Mohammad Rizwan’s form and temperament will be crucial in holding the middle order together. Among bowlers, Noman Ali’s left-arm spin and Shaheen Afridi’s reverse swing are expected to be Pakistan’s biggest weapons in the opening encounter.
Shan Masood’s leadership, marked by calmness and tactical intelligence, will also be under scrutiny as Pakistan aims to begin the new WTC cycle with a victory on familiar soil.
Conditions and expectations
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch is expected to offer early batting comfort before gradually assisting spinners from Day 3 onward. The weather forecast remains dry and sunny, ensuring uninterrupted play over five days.
Pakistan’s track record at home against South Africa is strong — they swept the visitors 2-0 in 2021 — and will seek to repeat history. South Africa, meanwhile, will look to shed their reputation of struggling on Asian soil.
The road ahead
The Lahore Test will be followed by the second and final Test in Rawalpindi from October 20 to 24, before the teams switch formats for a white-ball leg featuring three T20Is and three ODIs scheduled between October 28 and November 8 across Rawalpindi, Lahore, and Faisalabad.
For Pakistan, this series is an opportunity to reassert dominance and lay the foundation for a successful WTC campaign. For South Africa, it’s a test of adaptability, patience, and resilience — qualities that define champions.
As the sun rises over Lahore, cricket’s oldest format prepares to deliver its purest drama. Two proud teams, two contrasting styles — one shared goal: Test supremacy.
