Markram’s men are ready to face Pakistan’s spin attack

Markram’s men are ready to face Pakistan’s spin attack in the two-match Test series from 12 October 2025. South Africa is going to visit Pakistan to play their two WTC Test matches this month. Aiden Markram will lead the South African team in the absence of Temba Bavuma, the leading run-scorer. Shan Masood will lead Pakistan’s side in these historic Tests. South Africa won the title of ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 in June during their historic battle against Australia. Now, South Africa will play against spin-dominant Pakistan with a different squad.

Pakistan has played their previous home series against England and has a dominant role in this series. The spin dominance of Pakistan in this series was due to the destructive bowling of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan. English batters were clueless about the spin bowling of both these bowlers.

Markram faces spin in Pakistan

Markram faces spin in Pakistan during Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test. Due to this, Markram is preparing his side according to the previous spin-favoring pitches of Lahore and Rawalpindi. Because, during England’s hosting, 29 out of 31 wickets were taken by the spinners. South Africa is replicating the conditions for the Pakistan tour in their training camp in Pretoria.

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According to Markram’s point of view, it is difficult for the batters of both teams when they play spin. No doubt, the home side always has an advantage over the visitors, but it’s going to be a tough one. South Africa has played just two Tests against Zimbabwe after their historic win against Australia this year. The star spinner, Keshav Maharaj, is also not coming to Pakistan, and this will be an advantage to Pakistani batters.

Pakistan will counter the world Test Champions with a spin-heavy squad in the Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test series. Abrar Ahmad and experienced 38-year-old Asif Afridi will support the winning stars of England’s tour, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, in this series. These spin bowlers have the ability to challenge the Champions on flat and spin-friendly pitches of Lahore and Rawalpindi. It’s a challenge for the Proteas because they haven’t played in such conditions in South Africa.

Pakistan spin attack vs South Africa

Pakistan has a lot of spin bowling options against South Africa’s strong batting lineup in this Test series. The Pakistani selectors include an experienced 38-year-old Asif Afridi in the squad. Asif Afridi has played 57 first-class contests and taken 198 wickets with an average of 25.49. This will be his first international series, and he is eager to surprise the visitors.

Key Spinners’ Test Stats

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy
Noman Ali	19	83	24.75	3.01
Sajid Khan	12	59	27.28	3.42
Abrar Ahmad	10	46	34.34	3.60

These spinners have a decent average and economy in this red-ball cricket game. They can dominate in this format against the tough batting of the Proteas. Especially, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan’s impact will be huge.

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Markram’s Strategy against Spin

South Africa is preparing for the flat pitches of Pakistani conditions by replicating the conditions. Proteas have a very strong batting lineup against Pakistan and experienced batters. South Africa doesn’t have pitches like Pakistan, but they have tried a lot at the high-performance center. Markram’s men are practicing on three dead pitches in their training session. They have tried tough spin pitches and tough batting conditions in the nets.

Proteas spin options

South Africa has also selected a spin-heavy squad to challenge Pakistani batters. Left-arm off-spinner, Senuran Muthusamy, has a variety of bowling strategies. On the other hand, two right-arm off-spinners, Prenelan Subrayen and Simon Harmer, are other spin bowling options. No doubt, they have very little international exposure, but they can perform well in Pakistan.

Proteas spinners’ stats

Player	Matches	Wickets	Average	Economy
Senuran Muthusamy	5	11	34.63	4.05
Prenelan Subrayen	1	4	19.50	3.25
Simon Harmer	10	39	27.56	3.06

South Africa Test Squad

Aiden Markram (Captain)

Dewald Brevis, David Bedinham

Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton

Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne

Zubayr Hamza, Corbin Bosch

Macro Jansen, Wiaan Mulder

Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen

Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada

Pakistan Test Squad

Shan Masood (Captain)

Abdullah Shafique, Asif Afridi,

Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam,

Hasan Ali, Kamran Ghulam,

Imam-ul-Haq, Khurram Shahzad,

Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Rohail Nazir (wk),

Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha,

Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi