South Africa Begin WTC Title Defence Against Pakistan in Lahore

South Africa Begin WTC Title Defence Against Pakistan in Lahore

South Africa are set to begin the defence of their World Test Championship (WTC) title in Lahore on Sunday, facing a reinvigorated Pakistan side in the first of two Tests. The match marks the Proteas’ first red-ball outing since their historic victory over Australia at Lord’s in June, which saw them crowned WTC champions for the first time.

Aiden Markram will lead the South African side in the absence of regular captain Temba Bavuma, who is sidelined with a calf injury. Spinner Keshav Maharaj also misses out due to a groin issue but is expected to return for the second Test in Rawalpindi. Simon Harmer has been called up as Maharaj’s replacement, making a return to the Test fold for the first time since March 2023.

South Africa’s championship-winning squad has seen minor changes, with Lungi Ngidi omitted due to conditions not expected to suit his style of bowling. In his place, the Proteas have opted for a more spin-heavy attack, anticipating assistance from the pitch later in the match.

Their hosts, Pakistan, have not played a Test since a drawn home series against the West Indies in January. However, they will be bolstered by familiar faces and the possible debut of 38-year-old spinner Asif Afridi, who could come in for the experienced Noman Ali, now 39. The selection would underline Pakistan’s intent to utilize their spin resources wisely in what could be turning conditions.

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, hosting its first Test since March 2022, is expected to offer hot and dry weather throughout the five days. While rain is not a concern, poor air quality until late Monday could be a factor.

Match Details:

  • Dates: October 12–16, 2025

  • Time: 10:00 AM Local | 7:00 AM SAT | 5:00 AM GMT | 10:30 AM IST

  • Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Team News:

South Africa (probable XI):
Aiden Markram (capt), Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada.

Pakistan (probable XI):
Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Asif Afridi.

What to Expect:

Conditions are expected to be tough, with extreme heat and very unhealthy air quality forecast until early in the week. The pitch is likely to offer spin as the match progresses, although not as dramatically as seen during recent home series against England and West Indies.

From the Camps:

“It won’t spin like it did during the England and West Indies series. It will definitely spin, but gradually as the match progresses.”
– Azhar Mahmood, Pakistan’s head coach, on pitch expectations.

“We’re champions now, so there’s a new sort of pressure.”
– Kyle Verreynne, South Africa’s wicketkeeper-batter, on the team’s new role as defending champions.

As South Africa look to build on their WTC success, this series offers them both a test of character and a chance to solidify their standing at the top of the Test world. For Pakistan, it is an opportunity to reassert their dominance at home and disrupt the reign of the champions.