Pakistan Playing XI vs South Africa – 2nd Test, Rawalpindi (20 Oct 2025) PAK Vs SA
Pakistan have officially announced their Playing XI for the 2nd Test against South Africa, scheduled at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24, 2025. Skipper Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat first, looking to put early pressure on the visitors with a strong batting lineup.
This match is crucial as both teams aim to take control of the series, and Pakistan have gone with a balanced combination of specialist batters, experienced all-rounders, and a lethal pace-spin attack.
✅ Pakistan Confirmed Playing XI (2nd Test vs South Africa – 2025)
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Abdullah Shafique | Top-order Batter |
| 2 | Imam-ul-Haq | Top-order Batter |
| 3 | Shan Masood (C) | Opening Batter |
| 4 | Babar Azam | Batter |
| 5 | Saud Shakeel | Middle-order Batter |
| 6 | Mohammad Rizwan (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 7 | Salman Agha | All-rounder |
| 8 | Noman Ali | Bowler |
| 9 | Sajid Khan | Bowling All-rounder |
| 10 | Asif Afridi | Bowling All-rounder |
| 11 | Shaheen Shah Afridi | Bowler |
Bench: Aamer Jamal, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Rohail Nazir
Read Also: Did Mitchell Starc Really Bowl at 175 kmph?
🏏 Pakistan’s Strategy for Rawalpindi Test
Pakistan have opted for stability at the top, with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq continuing as openers. Shan Masood at No. 3 brings leadership and aggression, while Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel strengthen the middle order with class and consistency.
Behind the stumps, Mohammad Rizwan offers reliability and quick scoring if needed.
🔄 Strong All-Round Depth
With Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, and Asif Afridi in the lower-middle order, Pakistan have plenty of batting depth and bowling options. This allows captain Shan Masood to rotate bowlers smartly on what is expected to be a spin-friendly but early seam-assisted wicket.
🔥 Bowling Attack: Pace + Spin Combo
- Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead the pace attack and look to exploit morning conditions.
- Noman Ali and Sajid Khan provide spin control.
- Asif Afridi, as a left-arm all-rounder, brings variation in the middle overs.
This balanced combination ensures Pakistan stay in control across all sessions.
Read Also: Today Gold Price in Pakistan – 24K & 22K Rate Per Tola and Gram (Updated October 2025)
📌 Key Players to Watch
| Player | Why They Matter |
|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Pakistan’s most consistent run-scorer in Tests. |
| Shaheen Afridi | New-ball strike bowler capable of early breakthroughs. |
| Saud Shakeel | Known for playing match-saving Test knocks. |
| Salman Agha | Crucial lower-order run contributor and handy off-spin option. |
Is Babar Azam dropped for the second Test?
No, Babar Azam has not been dropped for the second Test against South Africa. He is included in the Pakistan Playing XI as a key middle-order batter. Although Shan Masood is captaining the side, Babar remains an important part of the batting lineup and continues to play in his regular position.
Who won Pakistan vs SA 2nd T20?
The result depends on the recent series context, but based on historical performances, both teams have shared victories in previous T20 encounters. If you are referring to the latest Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd T20 match, it’s best to check the official PCB or ICC match scoreboard for the most accurate and up-to-date result.
What if South Africa loses both Tests against Pakistan?
If South Africa loses both Tests against Pakistan, they will face a series whitewash and lose crucial ICC World Test Championship points. A 2–0 defeat could also impact their ICC Test rankings and may lead to team selection changes or captaincy discussions within the South African camp.
When did David Warner score 335?
David Warner scored 335 not out against Pakistan on 30 November 2019 during the Adelaide Test match. It was one of the highest individual scores in Test cricket history and became the second-highest Test score by an Australian batter, only behind Matthew Hayden’s 380.
💬 Final Word
Pakistan have gone with a confident and experienced lineup, perfectly suited for Rawalpindi’s conditions. With early batting stability and a versatile bowling setup, the Men in Green look well-prepared to challenge South Africa in this crucial fixture.
