RSA vs PAK Match Analysis

The first test of a two-match test series between South Africa and Pakistan will occur on December 26, 2024, at 2:00 p.m. BST at SuperSport Park, Centurion. 

South Africa sits at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings and requires just one win from their two home games against Pakistan to secure a place in next year’s final at Lord’s. The Proteas are formidable on home soil, and defeating them will demand an extraordinary effort.

Pakistan, fresh off a 2-1 victory against England on spin-friendly tracks in their October home series, geared up for this Test series by dominating their hosts with a 3-0 whitewash in the ODI series last week.

RSA vs PAK Team Preview & Squads

South Africa 

South Africa may have fallen short in the ODI series against Pakistan at home, but their Test squad presents a formidable challenge. Fresh off whitewashing both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh, the team will be determined to extend their winning streak in the red-ball format.

Captain Temba Bavuma leads the side with confidence, having showcased exceptional form against Sri Lanka, where he scored three fifties and a century in just four innings. Rising star Tristan Stubbs has also impressed in his debut year, amassing two hundred and a fifty in seven matches.

The batting lineup features a wealth of experience and talent, with Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, and Kyle Verreynne providing additional depth. Verreynne and Rickelton have both demonstrated excellent form, each scoring a century in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka.

RSA’s bowling unit, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, is equally imposing. Rabada boasts an impressive record of 28 wickets in just five Tests against Pakistan. He is supported by Marco Jansen and Dane Paterson, both of whom have consistently posed significant threats on this surface.

South Africa Squads

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Dane Paterson, and Kagiso Rabada.

Pakistan

Pakistan enters this Test series brimming with confidence after their historic ODI whitewash of South Africa on home soil. However, the challenges of the longer format are distinct, and they will need to elevate their game to tackle a seamer-friendly wicket.

The batting lineup faces a tough task against South Africa’s formidable pace attack. Key players Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha, who were the leading run-scorers in Pakistan’s Test victory over England, will be crucial in stabilizing the innings. Emerging talent Saim Ayub, fresh off two exceptional ODI centuries against South Africa, will aim to leave his mark in red-ball cricket.

Skipper Shan Masood and Babar Azam, renowned for their composure under pressure, will also play vital roles in anchoring the batting effort. In the bowling department, Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas will lead the charge for PAK, with Mir Hamza or Khurram Shahzad expected to step in as the third pacer. All-rounder Aamer Jamal provides valuable depth with his dual abilities in both batting and bowling.

Pakistan Squads

Pakistan

Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah Khan, Mohammad Rizwan, Saim Ayub, Saud Shakeel, Aamer Jamal, Agha Salman, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Naseem Shah, and Noman Ali.

South Africa vs Pakistan outfield report

SuperSport Park, Centurion

Both teams will likely look to the field first and confine the opposition for a low total on the first day when the wicket is most likely at its liveliest. According to the weather forecast, Centurion will experience gloomy skies for five of the Test days, with the possibility of frequent rain delays.

At SuperSport Park, the first innings average is 327. A venue’s average runs per wicket is a pitiful 29.81. To feel confident, the first-batting squad will aim for a score of 300–350 runs.

RSA vs PAK Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches

RSA won three of their five games, while PAK won two.

South Africa vs Pakistan Prediction

Cricket analysts predict South Africa has a 69% chance of winning.

Disclaimer: This cricket prediction is based on the author’s insights and analysis. Readers should consider the points discussed and draw their own conclusions.