South Africa vs Pakistan: All eyes are on Centurion as South Africa and Pakistan gear up for an exciting opening encounter in the 2024/25 Test series. SuperSport Park, known for its pace-friendly conditions, promises an enthralling clash, with South Africa sitting comfortably at the top of the ICC World Test Championship standings. One victory from their two home games against Pakistan will secure their place in the final at Lord’s. Pakistan, fresh off a 3-0 ODI whitewash over South Africa, will be hoping to translate their recent success into the longer format. However, overcoming South Africa’s formidable home record on this seaming wicket will be no easy task.
Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
Date & Time: Thursday, 26th December, 13:30
Series: Pakistan in South Africa, 2-Test Series, 2024/25
Pitch Report
The pitch at Centurion typically offers a lively surface for fast bowlers with consistent bounce and carry. As the match progresses, the wicket will quicken, making batting more challenging, especially with overhead conditions potentially adding swing. Early on, the team bowling first will be eager to exploit the conditions, with a target of 300-350 runs being ideal for the first innings.
Pitch Stats
- Average first innings score: 327
- Average runs per wicket: 29.81
- Toss: To Bowl
- Batting First Won: 13
- Batting Second Won: 13
- Drawn: 3
- Total Matches Played: 29
Head-to-Head
- Total Matches: 29
- South Africa Wins: 15
- Pakistan Wins: 6
- Draws: 7
Last 5 Meetings
- February 2021 – Pakistan won by 95 runs
- January 2021 – Pakistan won by 7 wickets
- January 2019 – South Africa won by 107 runs
- January 2019 – South Africa won by 9 wickets
- December 2018 – South Africa won by 6 wickets
Form Guide
South Africa:W,W,W,W,W
Pakistan: L,L,L,W,W
Team News
South Africa:
The Proteas will rely heavily on their pace attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, who has dominated against Pakistan in past encounters. Batting-wise, Temba Bavuma brings form into the Test series, with support from players like Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and the impressive Tristan Stubbs.
Pakistan:
Pakistan’s top order, including captain Shan Masood, Babar Azam, and Saud Shakeel, will need to stand strong against South Africa’s pace attack. With Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas leading the bowling department, Pakistan will aim to exploit any weaknesses early on in the Test match.
Line-ups
South Africa:
- Aiden Markram
- Tony de Zorzi
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Kagiso Rabada
- Dane Paterson
- Senuran Muthusamy
Pakistan:
- Shan Masood (c)
- Saud Shakeel
- Salman Agha
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Aamer Jamal
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Abbas
- Mir Hamza
- Noman Ali
Fantasy XI
- Batsmen: Temba Bavuma, Saud Shakeel, David Bedingham, Tony de Zorzi
- All-rounders: Aiden Markram, Salman Agha
- Bowlers: Kagiso Rabada, Naseem Shah, Marco Jansen
- Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan
Prediction
South Africa enters this Test with the upper hand, especially at home, where they have been dominant in recent years. However, Pakistan is a dangerous side and could spring a surprise, especially with their strong bowling attack. Expect South Africa to win this contest, but Pakistan will give them a run for their money.
Prediction: South Africa to win.
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