Pakistan’s likely playing XI for first South Africa Test

Top-order batsman Imran Butt and spinner Nauman Ali are likely to make their debut in the first Test against South Africa in Karachi, starting on January 26.

Nauman and Imran were among the top performers in the Quaid-e-Azam Trophy, over the past couple of seasons.

Abid Ali will open the innings with Imran while former captain Azhar Ali will bat at his usual number three spot.

Skipper Babar Azam, left-hander Fawad Alam and wicketkeeper-batsman Mohammad Rizwan will bat in the middle-order.

Faheem Ashraf will be the sole all-rounder in the Pakistan lineup.

The pace attack will be led by Hasan Ali, who is making a comeback in the side, and Shaheen Afridi.

Experienced leg-spinner Yasir Shah will take charge of the spin-bowling department, along with Nauman.

The second Test is in Rawalpindi from February 4. The Test series will be followed by three Twenty20 internationals in Lahore on February 11, 13 and 14.

The coronavirus pandemic means all the matches will be played without fans in attendance.

Pakistan XI for first Test:

Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam, Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan, Faheem Ashraf, Hassan Ali, Nauman Ali, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi.