Pakistan and South Africa will face each other in the second and last Test match of the on-going series on 3rd January at Cape Town.
Match Preview:
For once, South Africa will be free of any tension when they take on Pakistan for the second Test match of the ongoing series. They have already qualified for the World Test Championship final. And if anything, they would look to continue their winning streak in the Test format and start a new year on a high note.
South Africa have made a couple of changes as well moving into the second Test against Pakistan. Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder are back into the side while fast bowler Kwena Maphaka is set to make his debut.
Opener Tony de Zorzi has a thigh strain, while fast bowling allrounder Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson also drop to the bench.
Although Africa won the first Test and made into the final of the WTC, the captain Temba Bavuma feels there’s still plenty to improve from his side.
“The series is still on the line. So, as much as we’ve ticked off that box of being in the final, we’d still like to be clinical in the series. We’re eyeing two nil. Our focus, our motivation is still there. I think also as a team, as much as we won last week, we accept that we weren’t at our best, betting and bowling. So, in terms of improving in those areas, we’d like to see ourselves being a lot better than we were last week.” – said Temba Bavuma
Talking about Pakistan, their WTC chances are over. The best they can do is to win the second Test match and start a new year by escaping a series defeat from South Africa.
The fact that Pakistan haven’t won a Test against Africa in 18 years, they would certainly look to break this curse. New year, New Pakistan team? Can;t say much, as they have a habit of throwing games from the moment it seems the defeat is impossible.
Pakistan have not announced their playing XI as yet but it seems the side may sit out Aamer Jamal and maybe Naseem Shah?
There were positives from Pakistan too in the 1st Test as they reduced Africa to 8 down in the second innings when the home side was in pursuit of 148. Babar Azam finally scored a 50 and Saud Shakeel seemingly overcame his SENA struggles as well.
Playing XI:
South Africa (confirmed): Ryan Rickleton 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Wiaan Mulder (capt), 4 Tristan Stubbs 5 Temba Bavuma (capt) 6 David Bedingham, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj 10 Kagiso Rabada 11 Kwena Maphaka
Pakistan(probable): 1 Shan Masood (capt) 2 Saim Ayub 3 Babar Azam 4 Kamran Ghulam 5 Saud Shakeel 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk) 7 Salman Ali Agha 8 Aamer Jamal/Noman Ali 9 Naseem Shah 10 Mohammad Abbas 11 Khurram Shahzad
Pitch and weather report:
The weather forecast is looking great, with sunny and cricket-friendly conditions expected on all three days of the match, including the opening day. Temperatures will remain steady around 24°C, making for ideal playing conditions.
As for the pitch, the Newlands Cricket Ground is expected to assist fast bowlers, particularly in the morning sessions and with the new ball. However, as the wicket wears down, spinners may also come into play, making for an intriguing contest. The average first-innings total at this venue is a respectable 322, suggesting a competitive match ahead.
Head-to-head record:
South Africa and Pakistan have faced each other 29 times in Test matches, with South Africa winning 16 games, Pakistan securing six victories, and seven matches ending in a draw.
Prediction:
Given how South Africa won the 1st Test match, they are favourites to win the second Test as well
Where to Watch:
Pakistan: Tapmad, Tamasha, Geo Super, PTV Sports
South Africa: SuperSport
UK: SkySports, SkyGo App
India: Sports18, JioCinema App
USA: Willow TV
