KATHMANDU: South Africa captain Quinton de Kock won the toss and opted to bat in the first test in the ongoing series against Pakistan in Karachi, on Tuesday.

The two-match series marks South Africa's first test in Pakistan since 2007.

Skipper Babar Azam will lead the team for the first time in the long format of the game after he was ruled out of New Zealand series due to injury.

Pakistan has handed debuts to opening batsman Imran Butt and spinner Nauman Ali.

Earlier, international teams had opted not to tour Pakistan owing to security concerns.

However, with the improvement in the security situations in the country, international cricket has gradually returned to Pakistan after more than 14 years, bringing much needed cheer to domestic fans.