Shaheen Afridi Replaced, Abdullah Shafique Out; Pakistan's Strongest XI For 1st Test vs SA

Shaheen Afridi won't play SA Tests [Source: @MUNEEBGUJJAR999/X]

After securing an emphatic three-nil win in the ODI leg, Pakistan are gearing up to take on South Africa in the first Test of the upcoming two-match series. The first game of the highly-anticipated series will be played at the iconic SuperSport Park in Centurion. 

Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan enjoyed stellar success in the ODI series, defeating the Proteas by an overwhelming three-nil margin. However, the Tests will be much more challenging for the visitors, as South Africa are a formidable force with the red-ball at home. 

So, as the Men in Green gear up for the fascinating contest, let's see what their strongest playing XI could be. 

Should Pakistan Drop Abdullah Shafique?

Pakistan's stylish batter Abdullah Shafique has had a horrendous time with the bat on the ongoing South Africa tour. He had a forgettable ODI series, registering three consecutive ducks and is certainly on the firing line due to poor form. 

Interestingly, Abdullah Shafique has been miserable in Tests this year, scoring only 174 runs at an abysmal average of 15.82. So, considering he recently looked out of sorts and has had a rough patch in Tests, Pakistan might decide to drop him from their playing XI for the first Test. 

In such a scenario, skipper Shan Masood might open the batting with swashbuckling batter Saim Ayub. Kamran Ghulam, who struck a magnificent century on debut, will likely retain his place and bat at number three. Meanwhile, star batter Babar Azam could see his Test comeback and bat at number four, as he has been successful at that position. 

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Saud Shakeel, Rizwan To Play Key Role For Pakistan

Explosive middle-order batter Saud Shakeel will bat at his preferred number five slot, having amassed 1102 runs, including four centuries, in 21 innings at a superb average of 58. The batter will be followed by Mohammad Rizwan, who will also keep the wickets. Experienced cricketer Agha Salman brings all-round value to the table, being capable of chipping in with a few overs apart from scoring crucial runs lower down the order. 

Regarding ace fast bowler Shaheen Afridi, the left-arm pacer isn't a part of Pakistan's Test squad. So, he will be replaced by Mir Hamza, who was clinical with the new ball in Australia earlier this year. The left-arm pacer will likely be partnered by Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah, while Noman Ali could lead Pakistan's spin bowling attack. 

Pakistan's Strongest Playing XI For 1st Test vs South Africa

Shan Masood (C), Saim Ayub, Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Agha Salman, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, Mir Hamza

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