Asif Afridi Anticipates Debut with Sajid Khan Ready for South Africa Test Opener
As Pakistan gears up for its first Test against South Africa, all eyes are on Asif Afridi, who is eager for his debut. The match will kick off on October 12, 2025, at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. His inclusion in the squad came after the team management considered him alongside Noman Ali due to the absence of Sajid Khan, who recovered from a viral illness.
Test Match Details
The highly anticipated match will run until October 16, 2025. Following this, the second Test will take place at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.
Key Players and Performances
- Asif Afridi: Left-arm spinner aiming for his debut.
- Sajid Khan: Cleared to play after passing a fitness test.
- Noman Ali: Also included as a left-arm spinner option.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi: Expected to return after a year away, with 116 wickets in 31 Tests.
- Hasan Ali: Partnering with Shaheen in the fast-bowling department, with 80 wickets in 24 Tests.
- Imam-ul-Haq: Set for a comeback after last playing in December 2023.
Potential Playing XI for Pakistan
The expected lineup for the first Test features:
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Abdullah Shafique
- Shan Masood (captain)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper)
- Salman Ali Agha
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Hasan Ali
- Noman Ali
- Sajid Khan
Conclusion
This series promises intense competition as South Africa visits Pakistan for a multi-format contest. The performance of new and returning players, including Asif Afridi, will be crucial for the team’s success.
