Rizwan joins squad ahead of South Africa Tests

WEB DESK: Wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan has joined the national squad ahead of Pakistan’s upcoming Test series against South Africa. Rizwan, who had travelled to Peshawar with the team management’s permission to play a Quaid-e-Azam Trophy match on October 6, resumed batting practice at Gaddafi Stadium after rejoining the team.

Both Pakistan and South Africa continued their training sessions for the third consecutive day at the stadium, with players participating in batting, bowling, and physical drills.

Following the final training session, the captains of both sides, Shan Masood and Aiden Markram, will hold pre-match press conferences to share their thoughts on preparations and strategy.

Aamer Jamal, Faisal Akram dropped from South Africa series squad

The Test series trophy will also be unveiled later today. The opening Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to begin tomorrow (Sunday) at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.

Earlier the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) also streamlined its Test squad ahead of the two-match series against South Africa, releasing all-rounder Aamer Jamal and uncapped wrist spinner Faisal Akram. The move follows the PCB’s earlier indication that the initial 18-member squad announced on September 30 would be reduced before the series. Jamal, who has played eight Tests, has been sidelined, while Akram will have to wait for his international debut.

Rizwan’s lone fight in vain as Kings surge to CPL summit

The series is South Africa’s first red-ball tour of Pakistan since 2021, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat. Pakistan’s final lineup features key players like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Shaheen Afridi, as the hosts aim for a strong WTC start.

Meanwhile, PCB discussions continue over the white-ball squads for the later leg of the tour.

PAKISTAN VS SOUTH AFRICA: UPCOMING FIXTURES

Test matches:

Oct 12-16 – 1st Test, Lahore
Oct 20-24 – 2nd Test, Rawalpindi

T20I:

Oct 28 – 1st T20I, Rawalpindi
Oct 31 – 2nd T20I, Lahore
Nov 1 – 3rd T20I, Lahore

ODIs:

Nov 4 – 1st ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 6 – 2nd ODI, Faisalabad
Nov 8 – 3rd ODI, Faisalabad