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38-year-old spinner set for debut as Pakistan captain Shan Masood elects to bat

Anurag Dasgupta

PAK Vs SA toss update [Source: AFP Photo] PAK Vs SA toss update [Source: AFP Photo]

The stage is set as Pakistan will collide against South Africa in the second Test of the series in Rawalpindi. The hosts thrashed the reigning WTC champions in a one-sided contest in Lahore, and will aim to inflict another defeat to capture the series. The home side have prepared a rank-turner, so expect the spinners to dominate the proceedings.

For the visitors, they lack the resources to counter Pakistan’s spin attack, but they can breathe a sigh of relief as Keshav Maharaj is back for the contest to further strengthen the side. Ahead of the game, we look at what transpired at the toss.

Who won the toss today in PAK Vs SA 2nd Test?

Pakistan won the toss and on a dry wicket, captain Shan Masood had no hesitation in electing to bat first and put pressure on the visitors. The 38-year-old Asif Afridi is set for his Test debut. For the Proteas, Keshav Maharaj is back in the side after missing out on playing in the first Test.

Afridi has replaced Hasan Ali as the surface will assist the spinners and the team have strengthen the lineup with an extra spinner in the squad.

PAK Vs SA 2nd Test playing XIs

Pakistan Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Asif Afridi

South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada

Who has the advantage after the toss?

Pakistan clearly have the edge even before a single delivery has been bowled. The surface will get trickier as the game progresses, and since the Proteas side has to bat in the fourth innings, chasing will become a tough ask.

Pakistan have three quality spinners in their ranks, and they will make life difficult for the South African batters, and hence, Masood made the right call by electing to bat first.