Pakistan skipper Sarfaraz Ahmed has called for no fear approach from his team despite being faced with challenging conditions during their upcoming tour of South Africa.

The Asian giants travel to the rainbow nation for a long battle of supremacy across three Tests, five ODIs and three T20Is against the Proteas and it seems that their captain is geared up for the task despite widespread criticism following the 2-1 Test series defeat versus New Zealand in UAE.

"Conditions in South Africa are tough with bouncy and seaming pitches so anyone who plays without fear and with a big heart will succeed," Sarfraz told AFP, before stressing the need for experienced members like Asad Shafiq and Azhar Ali to stand up, "We need big innings from both Azhar and Shafiq and they are capable of doing that, so if we put good totals on board we have a good bowling attack to win the match."

Pakistan has won just two of their 12 Tests in South Africa - one in 1998 and the other in 2007, and both those great victories came on the back of their astounding bowling prowess.

This is where, despite losing the immensely skillful Mohammad Abbas to an injury, Sarfaraz is hopeful that left-armer pacer Mohammad Amir will excel on his return to the highest level.

"Amir is back after a good performance at the domestic level so we hope he gets us key wickets in Tests," he added.

They were whitewashed 3-0 the last time.

Pakistan open the tour with a three-day game against Cricket South Africa Invitation XI at Benoni from 19 December.

The series kickstarts with the Boxing Day Test in Centurion.