Mohammad Aizaz
Debutant
- Joined
- Aug 2, 2017
- Runs
- 64
With the South Africa Test series approaching, there’s a big debate brewing — should Pakistan prepare spin-friendly pitches at home?
On paper, it makes sense. Pakistan’s recent home success has often come on turning tracks where spinners like Abrar Ahmed, Nauman Ali, and Salman Ali Agha have done the damage. South Africa traditionally struggles against quality spin, especially in the subcontinent.
But there’s a twist — or should we say turn — to this story.
Keshav Maharaj has become one of the most consistent left-arm spinners in world cricket. If Pakistan prepares dry, dusty wickets, Maharaj could easily come into play, and South Africa might even consider adding another spinner like Simon Harmer. Add in the fact that Pakistan’s own batters haven’t exactly looked comfortable against left-arm spin lately, and this could backfire badly.
So what’s the right call?
Should Pakistan back their spinners and prepare turning tracks to exploit South Africa’s weakness — or go for balanced pitches that reduce the Maharaj threat and test both sides evenly?
Would love to hear everyone’s take:
On paper, it makes sense. Pakistan’s recent home success has often come on turning tracks where spinners like Abrar Ahmed, Nauman Ali, and Salman Ali Agha have done the damage. South Africa traditionally struggles against quality spin, especially in the subcontinent.
But there’s a twist — or should we say turn — to this story.

Keshav Maharaj has become one of the most consistent left-arm spinners in world cricket. If Pakistan prepares dry, dusty wickets, Maharaj could easily come into play, and South Africa might even consider adding another spinner like Simon Harmer. Add in the fact that Pakistan’s own batters haven’t exactly looked comfortable against left-arm spin lately, and this could backfire badly.
So what’s the right call?
Should Pakistan back their spinners and prepare turning tracks to exploit South Africa’s weakness — or go for balanced pitches that reduce the Maharaj threat and test both sides evenly?
Would love to hear everyone’s take:
- Should Pakistan go spin-heavy at home?
- Can Abrar and Nauman outbowl Maharaj and Harmer?
- Or is a true sporting pitch the smarter long-term strategy?