Pakistan captain Shan Masood said his side's focus is on a solid bowling attack as he believes that will be the key to getting a positive result against South Africa.

Pakistan's first Test in a two-match series against the Proteas begins on Sunday in Lahore, with the hosts looking for a first win over South Africa since 2021.

They have won just two of their last eight Tests against South Africa (L6); however, those victories came in their only two games on home soil in that run, in January and February 2021.

Pakistan have also won three of their last four Tests at home (L1), as many as they managed in their 14 prior such games in the format (D4 L7).

And though it may be difficult to get the best results from his bowlers on a newly laid pitch at Gaddafi Stadium, Masood expects both teams' bowling performances to decide the outcome.

"We plan to get 20 wickets and wish to break away from the historically produced pitches in the country," he said.

"It is very important to do well in all home Test series and get one odd win in an away series in order to be better placed in the World Test Championship table.

"It's a good opportunity for us to start against the defending champions. It will be a good yardstick for us to play against them, especially if we can get a good result."

Boys in whites!

Pakistan Test squad stealing the spotlight in the pre-series headshots session #PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/odHJKn2X4O

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 11, 2025

The Proteas have won each of their last 10 Tests, their longest such run in the format, while remaining unbeaten in their last 11 games (W10 D1).

Pakistan's spinners have induced a false shot rate of 26% from opposition batters in men’s Tests in 2025, the highest such rate of any team.

South Africa, meanwhile, are ranked third by the same metric (24.5%).

Aiden Markram, who is standing in as captain for the absent Temba Bavuma, says South Africa have been working hard in preparation for Pakistan's spinners.

"That's where most of the focus has been, naturally looking forward to the challenges that Pakistan pose in terms of spin-friendly tracks," Markram said.

"As a team that's not exposed to those conditions, it's exciting for us and a great opportunity to get things right in these conditions.

"We're trying to put a lot of the focus there, and ultimately put five days of good cricket together for the first Test."