The two-Test series between South Africa and Pakistan is starting from Thursday. The first test match is starting from 26th December in Centurion and Pakistan has announced the playing eleven for this match. Pakistan has taken surprising decisions in its playing eleven. The big news is that he has dropped Abdullah Shafiq from the playing eleven, this player was flopping badly in the entire ODI series. This player was out on 0 in all three ODIs. Whereas fast bowler Mir Hamza is also not in the team. Fast bowler Mohammad Abbas has joined Pakistan's playing eleven after three years.

Pakistan's playing eleven

Pakistan has kept out Nauman Ali, Hasibullah Khan, Abdullah Shafiq, Mir Hamza from its playing eleven. Four fast bowlers have been selected in the Pakistan team. Whereas Salman Agha is the only spinner. Salman is also considered a part time spinner.

Pakistan's playing XI for the first Test against South Africa in Centurion #SAvPAK pic.twitter.com/8BdXEPAMfh

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) December 25, 2024

Pakistan's playing eleven for Centurion Test– Shan Masood (captain), Syam Ayyub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Aga, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas.

Pakistan's poor record in South Africa

Pakistan has defeated South Africa 3-0 in the ODI series at home but it will not be so easy for them to win the Test series. The South African team is playing a different level of cricket with the red ball. He has won the last five test matches. Not only this, Pakistan has a very bad record in South Africa. Pakistan has won only two out of 15 Tests in South Africa and lost 12. On the other hand, it is important for South Africa to win the series against Pakistan because with this it can become the first team to reach the final of the World Test Championship. Captain Temba Bavuma has expressed hope that his team will win not just one but both the matches of the series.