Tag: PAK vs SA

LAHORE: South Africa’s stand-in captain Aiden Markram reached a major career milestone on Monday, surpassing 3,000 runs in Test cricket during the opening Test against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Markram, who needed just seven runs to achieve the landmark, brought it up early in his innings as South Africa began their reply to Pakistan’s first-innings total of 378.

The 31-year-old reached the milestone in his 47th Test appearance, becoming the 18th South African batter to do so.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Since making his debut in 2017, Markram has been one of South Africa’s most consistent performers in red-ball cricket, boasting eight centuries and 13 half-centuries to his name.

Among South African greats, Jacques Kallis remains the country’s all-time leading run-scorer with a staggering 13,206 runs in 165 Tests, the only South African to cross the 10,000-run mark.

He is followed by Hashim Amla (9,282 runs in 124 matches) and former skipper Graeme Smith (9,253 runs in 116 matches).

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

At the time of filing this report, South Africa were 38 without loss in ten overs, with Markram and Ryan Rickelton steady at the crease.

The visitors trail by 340 runs after bowling out Pakistan for 378 earlier in the day, courtesy of a superb six-wicket haul from left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy.

READ: Kane Williamson to miss England T20Is, eyes ODI return

LAHORE: Tony de Zorzi led South Africa’s resistance while Noman Ali took four wickets, putting Pakistan in a strong position at stumps on the second day of the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium on Monday.

South Africa were 216-6 at the close of the play, with Tony de Zorzi remaining unbeaten on 81 from 140 balls while Senuran Muthusamy is not out on six from 19 deliveries.

The highlight of the session was a 94-run partnership between De Zorzi and Riyan Rickelton. Both batters struck half-centuries and brought the team’s total to 174.

The stand eventually culminated with the set of Rickelton’s wicket, courtesy of Agha Salman’s bowling. He made 71 from 137 with the help of nine fours and two sixes.

The wicket opened the door for Pakistan as Noman and Sajid sliced through the Proteas’ middle-order and put them in a similar position to Pakistan. The visitors went from 175-3 to 200-6 in a span of 10 overs.

Tristan Stubbs was caught behind for eight while Dewald Brevis fell for a golden duck. Kyle Verreynne could not trouble the scorers much as he made six from 19.

For Pakistan, Nomal Ali starred with the ball, picking up four wickets in his 27 overs.

South Africa were 10 without loss at lunch and batted steadily in the afternoon session.

Aiden Markram, who earlier crossed the 3,000-run milestone, was the first to fall after the interval, dismissed by Noman Ali for 20 off 37 balls with the score at 45-1.

Wiaan Mulder then joined Ryan Rickelton and the pair stitched together a cautious stand to stabilise the innings.

Rickelton continued to find the gaps while Mulder played some crisp drives before Noman struck again, removing the right-hander for 17 off 41 deliveries, including three boundaries.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Tony de Zorzi then arrived at the crease and rode his luck early, edging a couple of deliveries past the slips for boundaries.

His presence, however, proved valuable as he and Rickelton guided South Africa to 112-2 at Tea in 34 overs, trailing Pakistan by 266 runs.

Earlier, Senuran Muthusamy produced a brilliant spell of spin bowling to claim six wickets and help South Africa bowl out Pakistan for 378 in the first session.

Resuming their innings at 313 for five, Pakistan looked set for a big total as Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan picked up where they left off, extending their sixth-wicket stand beyond 150, the highest for Pakistan against South Africa at home.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Both batters appeared in full control before Muthusamy turned the tide. He first broke the partnership by dismissing Rizwan for a hard-fought 75 off 140 deliveries, which included two fours and two sixes.

The left-arm spinner struck again almost immediately, removing Noman Ali and Sajid Khan for ducks to complete a well-deserved five-for.

Senuran Muthusamy continued to wreak havoc, bowling Shaheen Afridi for seven to register his sixth wicket, leaving Pakistan nine down.

The innings finally ended at 378 when off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen dismissed Salman Ali Agha for a composed 93 off 145 balls, an innings decorated with five fours and three sixes.

Muthusamy finished with superb figures of 6-117 in 32 overs, while Subrayen chipped in with two wickets. Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer claimed one apiece.

READ: Kudus scores as Ghana qualify for FIFA World Cup 2026

LAHORE: Pakistan opening batter Imam-ul-Haq opened up about the missing ingredient in his batting after marking his return to the Test side with a composed knock against South Africa here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Imam made 93 from 153 balls and missed out on his fourth hundred in the format, ending his two-year absence in style.

The southpaw built a monumental 161* run stand with skipper Shan Masood after Abdullah Shafique fell on the third ball of the match.

His innings was laced with seven fours and a six. The 29-year-old was eventually removed before tea by Senuran Muthusamy.

After the opening day, Imam expressed disappointment at missing out on his ton while reflecting on his partnership with Shan Masood.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“I’m disappointed to have missed the century, but that’s part of the game,” he said.

There’s no scripted plan in cricket. In the first 8-10 overs, I took my time, but when the spinners came in, the roles reversed — Shan became more aggressive and I settled in. We didn’t plan it that way, but our partnership helped us reach a good total in the end,” he added.

He praised South Africa for fighting back following a lean opening session. The Proteas at one stage reduce the home side from 199-2 to 199-5. However, Salman Ali Agha and Mohammad Rizwan’s unbroken stand finished the day on a strong note.

Regarding his comeback, the opener emphasized his domestic form and said that he is not worried about his place in the team.

“Our position is good overall. South Africa made a strong fightback. Rizwan and Agha had a fantastic partnership. I always try to perform in a way that contributes to the team’s victory. Being in and out of the team is part of the game — I don’t fear it,” he explained.

He also highlighted the missing element in his batting, emphasizing the importance of big scores to attract more attention.

“I felt there was a missing element in my batting — whether in one-day cricket, four-day cricket, or any format. So I’ve worked on how to play match-winning innings for Pakistan.”

“Sometimes small things get overlooked; like today, if I had scored 93 or 150, people see it differently and the performance gets highlighted more. We are working on that process, and it will continue,” he concluded.

READ: Babar Azam achieves major milestone in South Africa Test

LAHORE: Pakistan top-order batter Babar Azam achieved a major World Test Championship (WTC) milestone in the ongoing first Test against South Africa here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Coming into this Test, Babar required two runs to become the first Asian batter to score 3,000 runs in the ICC WTC.

The batting maestro reached the landmark with an elegant boundary on the fourth ball of the 48th over. With this, he became Pakistan’s first and overall eighth player to score 3000 runs in the Test championship.

Most runs in ICC World Test Championship

JE Root (ENG) 69 matches 6080 runs

SPD Smith (AUS) 55 matches 4278 runs

M Labuschagne (AUS) 53 matches 4225 runs

BA Stokes (ENG) 57 matches 3616 runs

TM Head (AUS) 52 matches 3300 runs

UT Khawaja (AUS) 43 matches 3288 runs

Z Crawley (ENG) 52 matches 3041 runs

Babar Azam (PAK) 37* matches 3021 runs

However, despite a promising start, he was trapped lbw by Prenelan Subrayen on the score of 23. His 48-ball knock featured five fours.

Overall, Babar Azam has registered 18 half-centuries and eight tons in the 37 WTC matches played so far.

Most runs by Asian batters in ICC World Test Championship

Babar Azam – 3021
Shubman Gill – 2826
Rishabh Pant – 2731
Rohit Sharma – 2716
Dimuth Karunaratne – 2642
Virat Kohli – 2617

Notably, India’s Test captain Shubman Gill trails behind with 2826 runs in 39 matches so far. Gill has scored 10 tons and eight 50s in the cycle, and is averaging at 43.47.

His compatriot Rishab Pant is third in the list with 2731 runs to his name at an average of 43.34 in 38 matches. He scored six centuries and 16 half-centuries.

READ: Namibia stun South Africa to seal historic T20I win

LAHORE: Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha’s resilient stand led a strong fight back from Pakistan in the final session on day one of the first Test against South Africa here at Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.

Rizwan and Salman forged an unbroken 114-run stand for the sixth wicket, which helped the home side finish strong at 313-5.

Salman made 52* from 83 balls with the aid of two fours and a six, while Rizwan scored 62 from 107 deliveries, including two fours and two sixes.

The duo came in when Pakistan were in trouble at 199-5 just after the tea. The pair took the responsibility on their shoulders and lifted the team out of the trouble.

Following the tea, Pakistan lost one more wicket in the form of Babar Azam, who was trapped lbw for 23. Before the break, Pakistan were cruising; however, the home side slumped from 199-2 to 199-5.

South Africa left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy struck twice in two balls at the stroke of tea to wrest back control after a gritty stand between Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq, which drove Pakistan’s innings.

Muthusamy removed well-set Imam-ul-Haq and newcomer Saud Shakeel to lift the Proteas. At tea, Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 23 from 48 balls with the aid of four boundaries.

Saud was caught and bowled for a golden duck as Senuran Muthusamy took an easy catch on his follow-through. Meanwhile, Imam-ul-Haq was caught on the fifth ball of the 56th over.

The left-hander played a composed knock of 93 runs from 153 balls, striking seven fours and a six.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

After the opening session, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq added 56 runs to take Pakistan from 107 to 163.

Prenelan Subrayen provided the visitors a much-needed breakthrough, trapping Pakistan skipper for 76 from 147 balls, laced with nine fours and a six.

Earlier, Imam-ul-Haq and skipper Shan Masood steadied Pakistan’s innings with a century stand against South Africa at the stroke of lunch.

Opting to bat first, Pakistan lost their opener, Abdullah Shafique, as Kagiso Rabada trapped him on the third ball of the opening over. He could only score two from three balls.

However, after early wickets, Shan and Imam kept the Protea bowlers at bay and forged a 105* run partnership which steadied their innings.

Imam, who returned to the format after a two-year gap, struck his 10th half-century with the aid of five boundaries, whereas Shan has four boundaries and a six to his name.

For South Africa, Kagiso Rabada remained the sole taker in his seven overs.

Playing XIs:

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

South Africa: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Sen Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer.

READ: WATCH: Shadab Khan returns to action after injury layoff

LAHORE: Pakistan Test skipper Shan Masood has unveiled the key to his team’s success in the upcoming two-match Test series against South Africa, which begins tomorrow here at the Gaddafi Stadium.

Speaking at the pre-series press conference, Shan emphasized a result-oriented approach and revealed Pakistan’s mantra for winning the Test series.

“We don’t want flat tracks where matches end in draws. “Sometimes you sacrifice runs to create situations where 20 wickets are possible,” he told reporters.

While speaking on Babar Azam and his own performance, he highlighted small but vital contributions with the bat.

“In such conditions, even a fifty can be a match-defining contribution. Performance should be judged in context — it’s about winning moments, not averages,” he said.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

Shan also praised World Test Champions South Africa, calling them a world-class side.

“To play in our home conditions against them is a great opportunity for us. Any challenge in the Test championship is always going to test you, but for us, it allows us to measure ourselves against the best team in the world, and hopefully, we can put in a good performance, and we will know that we are right up there, and we are right up in the rankings,” he remarked.

He also mentioned a strong start in the new WTC cycle, stating that they want to fully capitalize on the home advantage, citing the performances of winning teams at their home.

“The idea is to use our home advantage wisely. It is very important, and I think, if you look at the teams that have played the final and won the championship, they have done well in their home conditions,” he said.

“For us, it is about finding that improvement at home, and it is very important to start off well, ” he concluded.

READ: Aiden Markram sets sights on Babar Azam’s prized wicket

LAHORE: South Africa stand-in skipper Aiden Markram has heaped high praise on Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam, admitting that they will be targeting his key wicket in the series.

South Africa’s stand-in skipper Aiden Markram has lavished praise on Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam, admitting that his will be one of the key wickets they’ll be targeting in the series.

Speaking in the pre-match press conference, Markram shed light on the team’s preparations and Pakistan’s spin challenge, including Babar’s wicket.

“He needs no introduction. Babar’s wicket will be a big one for us, and one of the bowlers will try to get him and work out,” he remarked.

Markram expressed his excitement about the upcoming spin challenge, stating that despite not being heavily exposed to conditions, they are ready to take on the hosts.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“Naturally, we’re looking forward to the challenges Pakistan will pose in terms of spin-friendly tracks, as we assume.”

“As a team not heavily exposed to these conditions, it’s going to be exciting and a great opportunity for us to get things right here. So we’re putting a lot of focus into that, and ultimately we want to string together five good days of cricket in the first Test,” he continued.

The 31-year-old mentioned that the England series against Pakistan last year and admitted that Pakistan will fully capitalize on home advantage.

“We expect the conditions to spin — we saw how things turned in the England series. Pakistan will obviously try to win, which is completely fair, and we look forward to that challenge.

We’ll have another look at the wicket today and hopefully get a clearer picture before finalising everything for tomorrow,” Markram remarked.

World Test Champions South Africa will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who was ruled out of the tour due to an injury. However, Aiden Markram lamented his absence and aimed to give their best in challenging circumstances.

“Of course, we’ll miss Temba a lot — he’s our leader, and there’s no need to even introduce him,” he said of Bavuma.

Pakistan and South Africa will face off in the first tomorrow at the Gaddafi Stadium, marking the start of both teams’ campaign in the World Test Championship (WTC). 2025-27 cycle.

READ: WATCH: Pakistan, South Africa series trophy unveiled

LAHORE: The trophy for the forthcoming Pakistan-South Africa Test series has been unveiled here at the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) headquarters on Saturday.

Both captains, Shan Masood of Pakistan and South Africa’s Aiden Markram, were present at the PCB’s headquarters for the trophy unveiling ceremony.

 

View this post on Instagram

 

A post shared by Pakistan Cricket (@therealpcb)

PCB released a video of both captains posing with the trophy via social media handles.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“VGOTEL Mobile Presents @bank_alfalah Pakistan vs South Africa Test Series 2025 trophy unveiled at National Cricket Academy, Lahore. Hear from the captains ahead of the first Test,” PCB wrote on its social media handle.

The first match of the two-Test series will be played from October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium, followed by the second Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24.

For the unversed, this will be the Proteas’ first tour of Pakistan since January 2021, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat.

Both teams bolster experienced players in their squad; however, South Africa will be without their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma. Bavuma was ruled out of the tour due to an injury, with Aiden Markram replacing him as captain.

South Africa’s Test Squad

Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.

Pakistan Squad

Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan vs South Africa fixtures

Oct 12-16: 1st Test, Lahore
Oct 20-24: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
Oct 28: 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
Oct 31: 2nd T20I, Lahore
Nov 1: 3rd T20I, Lahore
Nov 4: 1st ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 6: 2nd ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 8: 3rd OD, Faisalabad

READ: National cricketers undergo intense training ahead of South Africa series

LAHORE: Pakistan squad for the two-match Test series against South Africa underwent a three-hour training session here at the Gaddafi Stadium on Friday.

Pakistan cricketers sharpened their fielding, batting, and bowling skills with a three-hour session under the supervision of coaches.

The first Test match between Pakistan and South Africa will commence on October 12, with the series marking the start of the World Test Championship (WTC) for both teams.

South Africa will defend the WTC title after defeating Australia in June 2025.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

The second match of the series will take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from 20 to 24 October. This will be the Proteas’ first tour of Pakistan since January 2021, when they faced a 2-0 defeat.

Shan Masood will continue to captain Pakistan with an experienced batting order shaping the lineup of the home team, while the visitors will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who was ruled out due to an injury.

Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has backed the home side, hinting that the pitches will not be as rank turners as they were during England’s visit to Pakistan last year.

However, the Proteas have come with ample spin resources in their arsenal to challenge Pakistan on spin-friendly tracks.

South Africa’s Test Squad

Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (second Test only), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kyle Verreynne.

Pakistan Squad

Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi

Pakistan vs South Africa fixtures

Oct 12-16: 1st Test, Lahore
Oct 20-24: 2nd Test, Rawalpindi
Oct 28: 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
Oct 31: 2nd T20I, Lahore
Nov 1: 3rd T20I, Lahore
Nov 4: 1st ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 6: 2nd ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 8: 3rd OD, Faisalabad

READ: Jaiswal’s 173* powers India to 318 against listless West Indies

LAHORE: Pakistan interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series. 

Pakistan’s interim red-ball head coach Azhar Mahmood has thrown his weight behind the inclusion of 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in the squad for the South Africa series.

Initially, Pakistan named an 18-member squad for the two-match Test series, including three uncapped players, Rohail Nazir, Faisal Akram, and Asif Afridi. However, the team was trimmed to 16, releasing Aamir Jamal and Faisal Akram.

Notably, the question arose on Asif’s inclusion in the squad, with critics citing his age.

Asif Afridi topped the bowling chart in the recently concluded Hanif Mohammad Trophy, where he picked up 33 wickets in just five matches at an impressive average of 12.55 including five three wicket hauls.

Azhar, addressing the media, dismissed the notion of the spinner being an outlier in the squad, citing his past two years’ performances.

Follow us on our Official WhatsApp channel

“He is part of our squad, and he is not selected just to do nets. I don’t know who is objecting,” he said when asked about Asif Afridi’s inclusion.

“If you look back at his performances over the past two years — he took 53 wickets last year and 27 this year, making it  80 in total. I don’t understand what the objection is about. Obviously if  someone points out his age, then ‘age is just a number’,” he continued.

He also mentioned South Africa’s 36-year-old Simon Harmer, emphasizing his 20 wickets in a Test match, alongside mentioning concussion protocols.

“South Africa has also included Simon Harmer, who is 37 or 38 years old. You need to consider how you will take 20 wickets and who’s capable of doing that. We wanted experience, and keeping concussion protocol in mind, you have to see who can provide that option.

Azhar lauded Asif Afridi’s bowling and concluded with best wishes for the bowler. “He is a wonderful bowler and have a bright future.”

The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium Lahore.

READ: Mitchell Starc to join Babar Azam at Sydney Sixers for BBL 15