SA vs PAK 2nd Test Playing 11 Prediction, Preview, Live Streaming, Pitch Report

SA vs PAK 2nd Test Preview [Source: AP Photos]

After sealing their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final, South Africa will walk into the Newlands Cricket Ground in Cape Town on a high, looking to make it a clean sweep against Pakistan. The second Test, starting Friday, January 3, promises to be a cracker as both sides have plenty to fight for.

SA vs PAK 2nd Test: Match Details And Live Streaming

SA vs PAK 2nd Test Preview: South Africa Flying High After Centurion Thriller

The Proteas are riding high on confidence after clinching a nail-biting two-wicket victory in the 1st Test at Centurion. It was a thrilling game, with Aiden Markram leading the charge in both innings. His composed 89 in the first innings set the tone, and his 37 in the tense final chase was pure class.

The middle order showed up when it mattered. Temba Bavuma’s steady 40 and Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 81 in the first innings built a solid foundation. Bosch’s innings, in particular, was a masterclass in timing. Marco Jansen, however, stole the show with the ball. His six-wicket haul in Pakistan’s second innings put South Africa in the driver’s seat, making sure the visitors were left with a modest target.

Even when the chips were down at 99/8, Rabada and Jansen brought the fire. Their calm under pressure sealed the deal, leaving Pakistan stunned. With the WTC Final ticket in their pocket, South Africa now has the chance to stamp their authority with a 2-0 series win.

SA vs PAK 2nd Test Preview: Pakistan Fighting To Keep The Series Alive

Pakistan came agonizingly close in the first Test but fell short when it counted the most. Saud Shakeel was a shining star with his brilliant 84 in the second innings, while Kamran Ghulam and Babar Azam chipped in with crucial half-centuries. However, cricket is a game of moments, and Pakistan let too many slip through their fingers.

Mohammad Abbas was a magician with the ball, weaving spells that had South Africa reeling in their second innings. His six-wicket haul brought Pakistan within touching distance of victory.

Khurram Shahzad and Naseem Shah provided the perfect support act, but the inability to break the Jansen-Rabada stand proved fatal. Pakistan will need to capitalize on key moments and bring their A-game if they hope to square the series.

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SA vs PAK 2nd Test Pitch Report: What The Newlands Surface Has In Store?

The Newlands pitch is expected to be a bowler’s track, with early visuals showing a lush green track. It’s the kind of surface that has pace bowlers interested. Known for its bounce and movement, this track has historically provided thrilling contests between bat and ball. Heavy rains in Cape Town earlier this week have added moisture to the pitch, promising more spice for the seamers. Rain is forecast for Day 3, so the captain winning the toss might lean towards bowling first to exploit the early conditions. But with nearly equal wins for teams batting first and second at this venue, the toss may not be a game-changer.

SA vs PAK 2nd Test: Key Players And Stats

• David Bedingham: 540 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 31.76, SR: 68.44
• Aiden Markram: 536 runs in the last 8 matches, Average: 35.73, SR: 64.5
• Saud Shakeel: 686 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 38.11, SR: 55.36
• Agha Salman: 674 runs in the last 10 matches, Average: 48.14, SR: 68.63
• Keshav Maharaj: 35 wickets in the last 6 matches, ER: 2.77
• Kagiso Rabada: 34 wickets in the last 8 matches, ER: 3.02
• Noman Ali: 27 wickets in the last 3 matches, ER: 3.06
• Aamer Jamal: 21 wickets in the last 6 matches, ER: 4.5

SA vs PAK 2nd Test: Probable Playing XIs

South Africa’s Probable XI: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson

Pakistan’s Probable XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk) Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad

SA vs PAK 2nd Test: Winner Prediction

South Africa are the favourites to win the second Test, thanks to their red-hot form, a strong pace attack tailor-made for the green Newlands pitch, and the momentum from their thrilling Centurion win.

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