Pakistan won the toss and opted to bat first against South Africa in the second and last match of the two-match test series today (Monday) in Rawalpindi.

The test matches are part of the 2025-27 season of the World Test Championship.

Pakistan Captain Shan Masood announced Asif Afridi as the debutant, replacing Hassan Ali, who was part of the first test match.

Asif Afridi, 38, who hails from Peshawar, Khyber Pakhtunkhwa, has 198 wickets to his name in 57 first-class matches.

Wiaan Mulder and Prenelan Subrayen have been rested for the second test match by South Africa and have been substituted by Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen.

“Obviously, it’s great to have him (Keshav Maharj) back in the camp,” Markram told a press conference on Sunday, ahead of Monday’s start of the second test.

“He brings lots of experience and a really good skill set as well, so we’re looking forward to this game starting tomorrow, which is an opportunity for us to level the series, but also to keep improving in these conditions and fixing some of the stuff that we feel needs fixing from the first game.“

Pakistan have a 1-0 lead as they had won the first test in Lahore by 93 runs, thanks to their spin pair, consisting of 39-year-old Noman Ali and 32-year-old Sajid Khan.

Shaheen Shah Afridi also showed his reverse swing skills and claimed four wickets in South Africa’s second innings.