SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report For Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test

SuperSport Park, Centurion [Source: @ddsportschannel/X]SuperSport Park, Centurion [Source: @ddsportschannel/X]

On Thursday, Pakistan will face South Africa in the first Test of the upcoming two-match series at the historic SuperSport Park in Centurion. Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan have announced robust squad for the South Africa Tests. 

Apart from the skipper, the onus will be on Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel to determine Pakistan's fate with the bat. On a similar note, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen will be South Africa's key players in this game. 

Before the game begins, let's see how the surface at SuperSport Park in Centurion will behave throughout the contest. 

SuperSport Park Centurion Stats And Records In Tests

Criterion
Data
Matches played29
Matches won batting 1st13
Matches won batting 2nd12
Average 1st innings Score326
Average 2nd innings score320
Average 3rd innings score227
Average 4th innings score162


SuperSport Park Centurion Pitch Report: Is It Batting Or Bowling Friendly?

The surface at SuperSport Park in Centurion will offer significant assistance to the fast bowlers. Apart from sideways movement, the track will offer extra bounce, creating a challenging environment for the batters. 

Overcast conditions will likely prevail at the venue for most part of the Test match. So, expect the seamers to make the most of it and trouble the batters with pace and movement throughout the match. 

If the sun comes out, the track might become slightly more conducive to stroke play, as batters with solid back-foot game could capitalise on the pitch's pace and bounce. Don't expect the spinners to play a huge role in Centurion. Unless a green track and overcast conditions greet the players, the toss-winner will likely bat first. 

Players To Watch Out For At SuperSport Park Centurion

Kagiso Rabada

  • South Africa's ace pacer Kagiso Rabada is known as one of the finest Test bowlers in modern-day cricket. 
  • He has enjoyed stellar success at SuperSport Park in Centurion, scalping 57 wickets in eight Tests at a superb average of 16.78 and a strike rate of 29.4. So, considering his past exploits at this venue, we reckon Rabada will certainly be a player to watch out for in this match. 

Khurram Shahzad

  • Pakistan's young pacer Khurram Shahzad has been impressive since making his debut in Test cricket. 
  • Shahzad operates at a good pace and can generate seam movement off the deck. His ability to adapt to the conditions quickly might make him a crucial player for the visitors. 

Tristan Stubbs

  • South Africa's in-form player Tristan Stubbs has been prolific with the bat in international cricket of late. He can perform under pressure, and his recent form could make him a player to watch out for in this clash.