Naseem shah
Mohammad Abbas Returns As Pakistan Announce Playing XI For Boxing Day Test Vs South Africa
Pakistan's batting lineup for the Centurion Test has undergone significant reshuffling. Abdullah Shafique, who scored 132 runs in the home Test series against England last October, has been left out. Shafique's lean patch in the recent One-day International (ODI) series against South Africa, where he failed to open his account in three outings, likely influenced the decision.
Taking his place at the top are Shan Masood and Saim Ayub. Masood, with his experience, will anchor the innings, while Ayub, fresh from scoring two centuries in the ODI series against South Africa, brings youthful exuberance and form. The batting order sees another notable adjustment with former captain Babar Azam returning to the No.3 position, a slot he last occupied in December 2022 against England in Multan. Although his average at No.3 stands at 30 from 10 Tests, Babar’s back-to-back fifties in the ODI series suggest he is in good touch to rectify that record.
