Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Test: Decoding key player battles
What's the story
The much-anticipated first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa is all set to take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, starting on October 12. The series promises top-notch action with both teams eager to kick off with a win. The pitch for the first Test match is likely to support batters on the first two days before slowly starting to help spinners. On this note, we decode the key player battles for the series opener.
#1
Aiden Markram vs Shaheen Afridi
In the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram will lead South Africa, and he will have the onus to lead from the front. As Markram will open the innings, left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi can challenge him early on. As per ESPNcricinfo, the fast bowler has trapped Markram once across five Test innings while conceding 59 runs. Notably, the latter hammered a brilliant ton in his last Test assignment - the ICC WTC final versus Australia.
#2
Wiaan Mulder vs Abrar Ahmed
Wiaan Mulder etched his name in cricket history with a 367*-run knock versus Zimbabwe, the last time he took the field in SA whites. He would be raring to enhance his record against Pakistan. Leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed can challenge Mulder with the old ball. Notably, Mulder has fallen to leg-spinners twice across four Test innings. Abrar has a bowling average of 37.25 in home Tests.
#3
Shan Masood vs Kagiso Rabada
Pakistan skipper Shan Masood would want to set an example for his team with a valiant knock. However, the fiery thunderbolts of star pacer Kagiso Rabada can ruin his plans. Masood has tackled Rabada well in the past, scoring 118 runs against him across nine innings. This also includes a couple of dismissals. Notably, Rabada has a bowling average of 25.27 in Tests in Asia (25 wickets).
#4
Babar Azam vs Simon Harmer
Eyes will be on Babar Azam, who has had a torrid run with the bat in recent months. He was even dropped from the Test XI following a string of low scores last year. Nevertheless, Babar boasts a solid Test record and can challenge any bowling line-up on his day. His battle with veteran off-spinner Simon Harmer would be enticing. Since the start of 2024, Babar has fallen to spinners five times across 11 innings (Average: 24).