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Asif has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. He will partner fellow spinner 39-year-old Noman Ali, who has 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75. Afridi was banned by PCB in 2022 for "failing to disclose to the PCB Security and Anti-Corruption Department (without unnecessary delay) full details of any approaches or invitations received by the Participant to engage in Corrupt Conduct under this Anti-Corruption Code." After a series of defeats at home, Pakistan has utilised their spin weapons brilliantly. They have turned to making rank turners, with spinners making life tough for the visiting batters. Usually, Sajid Khan partners with Noman Ali in the playing XI, but he was ruled out of the match due to a viral fever, paving the way for Asif Afridi's debut. The series will mark the fresh cycle of the World Test Championship for Pakistan and defending Champions South Africa. Pakistan finished at the bottom of the table in the last cycle, and they'd be keen to play well in the new cycle. Meanwhile, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan were also picked in the playing XI. Imam ul Haq and Abdullah Shafique will open the innings, while Shan Masood should play at three. Saud Shakeel will be the other batter in the team. Salman Agha has also found a place in the XI despite a poor show in the Asia Cup. Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali were the two pacers in the playing XI. Pakistan Playing XI For First Test Vs South Africa: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.