The highly anticipated clash between Pakistan and South Africa in the first Test match of their two-match series is set to begin on Thursday at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Both sides will be eager to get off to a strong start in what promises to be an exciting contest. 

Pakistan have already named their playing XI ahead of the opening Test. They are without any specialist spinner, choosing to go with four seamers in the form of Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas. Babar Azam, who had been dropped for the last two Test against England, has been retained. Abdullah Shafique has been left out of the squad following his poor form.  

South Africa, on the other hand, will be eager to build on their success after a series of positive results. They will enter the series on the back of positive results. Their pace attack is likely to be a key weapon, with Rabada leading the charge. He is a bowler who can produce match-winning spells on any surface, and Pakistan's batters will need to be at their best to handle his pace and bounce. 

In the batting department, South Africa will be looking towards Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs, and other experienced players. They recently thrashed Sri Lanka at home. 

Head To Head

Matches - 28

SA WON - 15

PAK WON - 6

DRAWN - 7

South Africa probable XI: Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, Dane Paterson, Wiaan Mulder

Pakistan XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel (vc) Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad,  Mohammad Abbas