Pakistan 51/1 in 9.4 Overs | PAK vs SA Live Score, 1st Test Match Day 1: Kagiso Rabada strikes in first over; Pakistan opt to bat against South Africa

PAK vs SA Live Score, 1st Test Match Day 1: South Africa begin their World Test Championship title defence in Pakistan today, facing a challenging spin-heavy track without two key players. Regular captain Temba Bavuma is out due to a calf strain, while frontline spinner Keshav Maharaj will only be available for the second Test. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram acknowledged their absence as a “big miss,” but expressed confidence in the team’s depth and new spinners, including Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, who impressed with four wickets against Zimbabwe in July.

The Proteas prepared for subcontinental conditions by training on underprepared wickets at Pretoria’s High Performance Center. “As a team that’s not exposed to those conditions, it’s exciting and a great opportunity for us to get things right,” said Markram.

Pakistan, last in the previous WTC cycle, has excelled on spin-friendly home tracks, winning three of its last four Tests. The Gaddafi Stadium pitch, while not artificially enhanced, is expected to assist spinners. Captain Shan Masood emphasized the importance of home conditions and building confidence for away tours, while noting that premier players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan return after limited red-ball cricket. Off-spinner Sajid Khan is recovering from a viral infection, and Pakistan may also hand a Test debut to 38-year-old left-arm spinner Asif Afridi.

Both teams are eager to make a strong start, with spin projected to be decisive. The series offers South Africa a chance to test their adaptability and Pakistan an opportunity to assert dominance at home, setting the tone for their WTC campaigns.