Babar Azam And Shan Masood Asked To Bat First In PAK Vs SA 4th Test

Pakistan will take on South Africa [Source: @Alloutcric_/X.com]

In a significant development, South Africa have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa at the SuperSport Park, Centurion. 

In a notable move, the Proteas have gone with an all-pace attack, leaving out frontline spinner Keshav Maharaj due to injury. This allows debutant Corbin Bosch, a young pacer, to make his Test debut. 

Pakistan, too, have chosen an all-pace lineup, with Shaheen Shah Afridi omitted to manage his workload ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Khurram Shahzad has been selected over Mir Hamza in a bold move. 

At toss, Proteas captain Temba Bavuma emphasised the importance of starting strong and utilizing the conditions to their advantage.

"We are going to bowl first. We want to play some good cricket and our focus is to some up as a unit in the field." We have got Corbin Bosch coming into the side and guys are ready to step up."

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Pakistan’s Game Plan Against South Africa

On the other hand, Pakistan skipper Shan Masood appeared optimistic about tackling the challenging conditions.

"I think the conditions are pretty evident and there is going to be a lot for the seamers but you also get value for your shot. It's about picking the balls, scoring your runs and putting up a good score.  It's a good test for us, we played good cricket in Australia. This is another opportunity for us to measure ourselves against a side competing for a WTC Finals spot. I look forward to seeing both departments perform. We are going with 4 seamers, one all-rounder in the middle and a pretty similar make up to South Africa. Conditions require that."

PAK vs SA 1st Test: Playing XIs

Pakistan Playing XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Agha Salman, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas

South Africa Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson

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