Pakistan’s Shan Masood (left) and Imam-ul-Haq in motion throughout first Check in opposition to South Africa on the Gaddafi Stadium on October 12, 2025. —X@TheRealPCBPakistan skipper Shan desires to capitalise on residence circumstances. South Africa go together with three specialist spinners, one pacer.Markram says crew has performed in comparable circumstances earlier than.
LAHORE: Pakistan dominated the opening session of the primary Check in opposition to South Africa on the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, scoring 107-1 at Lunch on day one.
After profitable the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood opted to bat first within the opening fixture of the ICC World Check Championship (WTC) 2025–27, in opposition to the defending champions South Africa.
The hosts made a shaky begin as Abdullah Shafique (2) was trapped leg-before by Kagiso Rabada for two within the opening over, leaving Pakistan at 2-1.
Nevertheless, skipper Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings with a strong unbeaten 105-run partnership for the second wicket.
On the lunch break, Imam-ul-Haq was batting on 59 not out, whereas Shan Masood remained unbeaten on 44.
Pakistan have picked Sajid Khan and Noman Ali of their taking part in XI, whereas South Africa have opted for 3 spinners for the sequence opener.
On the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood stated his aspect goals to capitalise on residence circumstances within the sequence opener, whereas South Africa skipper Aiden Markram said that his crew is well-prepared, having expertise taking part in in comparable circumstances.
South Africa are touring Pakistan for sequence in all codecs of the sport. The primary Check is being performed from October 12 to 16 on the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, whereas the second Check will probably be performed on the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.
Taking part in XIs
Pakistan: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Sajid Khan.
South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Senuran Muthusamy Kyle Verreynne, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada, and Simon Harmer.
Pakistan’s WTC 2025-27 fixtures
Every crew performs six sequence (three residence, three away), with every sequence lasting between two and 5 Check matches. On the finish of the league stage, the highest two groups advance to a ultimate to find out the champion.
Over the subsequent two years, Pakistan will play 13 Check matches (together with two in opposition to South Africa) in three residence and as many away sequence.
Pakistan will face Bangladesh for a two-match away sequence in March 2026, adopted by two Exams within the West Indies in July.
Pakistan will tour England for a three-Check sequence in August and September subsequent, whereas the nationwide crew will host Sri Lanka for a two-Check sequence in November 2026.
Pakistan will conclude its league stage with a two-match residence sequence in opposition to New Zealand in March 2027.
