Pakistan are set to host South Africa in the first Test of a two-match series, with the opening encounter scheduled to begin on Sunday at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The side returns to the red-ball format for the first time since January, kicking off their campaign in the new ICC World Test Championship (WTC) cycle.

The last time these two sides met in the longest format, it was South Africa who remained dominant on their home turf. The Proteas sealed that two-match series with convincing wins, highlighting the challenge that now lies ahead for Pakistan on home soil. This time around, however, the conditions are different, and Pakistan will be eager to assert their dominance.

The Men in Green return to the Test arena following a rocky home season earlier this year. Despite being favourites, they were held to a 1-1 draw by West Indies. That series served as a wake-up call, revealing vulnerabilities in the squad. Shan Masood will lead the side and will be under the spotlight as he seeks to instil consistency and focus in a side that has struggled to string together performances in the past encounters. Pakistan will also see the return of two of their most experienced and impactful players, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan. Both cricketers have been away from international cricket for nearly three months, but their return will be quite crucial for the side.

On the other hand, South Africa will be confident knowing their recent track record against the hosts. However, they will be without their regular captain, Temba Bavuma, who’s recovering from a calf strain. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the side. Kagiso Rabada will lead South Africa's bowling attack alongside Marco Jansen and Corbin Bosch. And their spin department will be led by Prenelan Subrayen and Senuran Muthusamy. 

Head-to-head

Matches: 30

Pakistan won: 6

South Africa won: 17

Tied/No result: 7

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

South Africa possible XI: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada