Test cricket returns to the iconic Gaddafi Stadium as defending champions South Africa face Pakistan in the opening clash of their World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 cycle. It’s a meeting of opposites: the world champions versus a team desperate to reignite its red-ball aura at home. And with Lahore likely to aid spin, both sides—famous for fast bowling—must adapt quickly.
South Africa’s Challenge: A New Chapter in WTC Glory
South Africa arrive on the back of a remarkable winning run, but conditions in Lahore are a different exam. Captain Aiden Markram steps in for the sidelined Temba Bavuma—whom he called “irreplaceable”—and must coax control from a spin group that includes Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, and Prenelan Subrayen. With Keshav Maharaj out for the first Test, those three carry serious responsibility on surfaces expected to break up and bite.
For South Africa, this is about proving championship quality away from home. Their seamers will still matter—Kagiso Rabada seldom goes quiet—but the story of this series could be written by whoever lands the best lengths with the old ball and the softer seam. Batting-wise, Ryan Rickelton’s job at the top is crucial. He piled up a mammoth 259 against Pakistan earlier in the year, but consistency is the next step. These are conditions he hasn’t truly mastered yet.
Pakistan’s Home Revival: Can They Turn the Tables?
Pakistan view this series as a chance to reset their WTC campaign with a statement at home. Captain Shan Masood has embraced more spin-friendly pitches in recent months, a strategy that has produced wins but also put a premium on the toss. With Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan back in the XI, Pakistan have the batting core to control sessions—if they handle South Africa’s relentless discipline.
The big question is the spin balance. Sajid Khan has been battling flu, which puts even more on Noman Ali’s shoulders. Noman just turned 39 and has been ruthless on helpful tracks, claiming 36 wickets in his last four Tests. If Sajid isn’t fully fit, Pakistan could turn to Abrar Ahmed to keep the pressure on from the other end. Either way, the hosts need long, suffocating spells to cash in when the pitch starts to crumble.
Probable XIs
Pakistan (probable): Abdullah Shafique/Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (capt), Kamran Ghulam, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Noman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Sajid Khan/Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi.
South Africa (probable): Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Dewald Brevis, David Bedingham (wk), Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Prenelan Subrayen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada.
Pitch and Conditions: Heat, Turn, and High Stakes
Lahore in October is set to be hot and dry—ideal for rapid surface wear. Expect batting to be friendlier early, with variable bounce and sharper turn from Day 3 onward. The toss could be decisive. Batting last on a surface that’s lost its sheen will be a serious ordeal, particularly against bowlers who can land it on a dime.
Key Battles That Could Decide the Series
- Pakistan’s top order vs the new ball
If South Africa strike early, Babar and Rizwan will be forced to rebuild. If Pakistan get a platform, their spinners can attack from a position of strength later. - Harmer–Muthusamy–Subrayen vs Pakistan’s middle order
This trio need accuracy over ego. Dot-ball pressure and smart fields will be their currency. - Noman Ali vs South Africa’s right-handers
Noman’s angles and pace through the air have been kryptonite for visiting batters. If he controls one end, Pakistan can rotate options at the other. - Rabada’s bursts vs Pakistan’s rhythm
Even on slow tracks, a world-class quick can flip a session in four balls. Rabada’s reverse swing and stump-to-stump lines will test Pakistan’s technique late in the day.
Form Guide
Pakistan: LWLLW
South Africa: WWWWW
Stats and Nuggets
• South Africa have won 10 Test matches in a row—the longest streak in their history.
• Babar Azam is 251 runs shy of 15,000 international runs, a milestone surpassed by only four Pakistani greats: Inzamam-ul-Haq, Younis Khan, Mohammad Yousuf, and Javed Miandad.
• This will be just the second Test in Lahore since 2009. After renovations ahead of the Champions Trophy, the stadium returns to its traditional place in Pakistan’s Test calendar.
What the Captains Said
Shan Masood called it a perfect yardstick: start the cycle against the champions, and you’ll know exactly where you stand. Aiden Markram, meanwhile, revealed South Africa trained specifically for spin-heavy conditions back home, simulating low, turning tracks to sharpen both their batting plans and their spinners’ patience.
What to Expect
Across two high-stakes Tests, adaptability will be everything. The side that reads the surface quickest—choosing when to attack, when to choke runs, and when to simply survive—will own the narrative of this early WTC stretch. For South Africa, it’s the first stepping stone in a title defence. For Pakistan, it’s a chance to reclaim pride, spark momentum, and remind the cricketing world that home is still a fortress.
