PAK vs SA: Pitch report from first test, Gaddafi Stadium stats and records

Pakistan and South Africa The two sides will play the first Test match of the two-match series starting from October 12 at the famous Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.

Team Profile: Pakistan strong at home, South Africa faces challenge

Pakistan goes into the match confident having won both Tests at home against South Africa in 2021 and having performed strongly at home recently. Jean MassoudLeads the team and along with Imam-ul-Haq brings tactical acumen and stability to the senior level. The batting middle-order, backed by captain Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakir and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, forms a solid line-up capable of honing runs or accelerating when required.

The bowling attack is a clever blend of pace and spin. Shaheen Afridi spearheaded the attack with pace and swing, supported by Hasan Ali. The spin department, led by Noman Ali with his impressive record at home, will be expected to pose a challenge to the visitors after the wear and tear on the pitch.

South Africa team, captained by Aiden Markram In the absence of Temba Bavuma, the team brings in a relatively young squad with few experienced players in sub-continental conditions. Batsmen such as Ryan Rickton, David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs will have to prove themselves in unfamiliar terrain. Their spin options – Senuran Mutusamy, Simon Hamer and Preneram Subayan – are expected to struggle to make a breakthrough against a spin-savvy Pakistan batting line-up.

Kagiso Rabada remains South Africa’s pace spearhead, but the team’s overall strength lies in adapting quickly to conditions to shore up their inexperienced squad.

Gaddafi Stadium Promotion Report

The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium is known for its balance, which usually favors the batsmen initially but gradually favors the spinners as the match progresses. The surface on the first day is expected to be firm and batting-friendly, providing good bounce and carry to the pacers, especially in the early stages of the innings. However, as the five days unfolded, the pitch traditionally began to break down, bringing the spinners into action.

Pakistan’s powerful spin trio – Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed – will enjoy playing conditions on days three to five that make them play a crucial role in the outcome. The seamers, including the dynamic Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, can take advantage of the morning moisture and get a reverse swing towards the end of the innings. The first innings average at this venue is competitive and the team that wins the toss usually prefers to bat first to set a challenging total.

Weather conditions are expected to be warm and dry over the five days of the test, with minimal rainfall expected to ensure uninterrupted racing and a true showdown of skills.

Also read: ‘I want to hit him’ – Newly married Pakistan bowler Abra Ahmed launches boxing challenge to legendary India batsman Shikhar Dhawan

Gaddafi Stadium test statistics and records

Total games: 32
Matches won by batting first: 20
First to win the bowling game: 12
Average score in first game: 166
Average score in second game: 148
Highest overall record: 209/3 (20 Ov) England vs Pakistan
Lowest total recorded: 94/10 (15.3 Ov) New Zealand vs Pakistan
Chasing the highest score: 197/3 (17.2 Ov) Pakistan vs Bangladesh
Defensive lowest score: 126/7 (20 Ov) Pakistan Women’s Football Team vs Bangladesh Women’s Football Team