Pakistan consider third spinner to seal South Africa Test sweep
“Azhar Mahmood says a third spinner is under consideration for Rawalpindi.”
Key points
- Azhar Mahmood says a third spinner is under consideration for Rawalpindi.
- Abrar Ahmed or uncapped Asif Afridi could join the attack.
- Pakistan lead 1–0 after spinners dominated the first Test in Lahore.
- South Africa welcome back Keshav Maharaj as conditions hint at more turn.
Pakistan are weighing a third specialist spinner for the second and final Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, head coach Azhar Mahmood said. Either leg-spinner Abrar Ahmed or uncapped left-armer Asif Afridi is under consideration as the hosts chase a 2–0 series win.
The move follows Pakistan’s 93-run victory in Lahore, where spinners accounted for 34 of 40 wickets on a turning surface. Noman Ali claimed 10 in the match, with Sajid Khan adding six, while Azhar Mahmood stressed that first-innings runs will be decisive on a dry Rawalpindi pitch.
South Africa expect the return of left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj from a groin strain. Stand-in captain Aiden Markram said Maharaj’s experience will be valuable alongside Senuran Muthusamy, who impressed in the opening Test. With conditions again likely to favour spin, both sides see selection and batting discipline as central to the result.
Corrections & clarifications
Spot an inaccuracy or need more detail? Email connect@newsnexus24.com. Significant updates are timestamped above.
