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PAK vs SA 2nd Test statistical preview: Key stats, records and head-to-head ahead of the clash

Akshita Patel

Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test preview [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test preview [Source: @ProteasMenCSA/X.com]

Pakistan is all set to host South Africa in the second and final Test of the 2-game series on October 20. The match will be held at the Rawalpindi Stadium at 10:30 AM IST.

Pakistan

The host team, Pakistan, have found a winning rhythm at home, relying on their “spin to win” formula. Spinners Sajid Khan and Noman Ali have dominated on turning tracks, while Shaheen Shah Afridi’s mastery of reverse swing adds another dimension to their attack. 

With the bat, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Agha have been the backbone of Pakistan’s scoring and will again carry the team’s hopes.

South Africa

For South Africa, the loss in the previous Test ended a ten-match winning streak, and they’ll be eager to bounce back. Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton showed promise, but the Proteas need more consistency from their middle order, especially Tristan Stubbs. 

The inclusion of Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj could strengthen their bowling attack and bring much-needed balance to the side.

PAK vs SA Head-to-head overview

Pakistan have faced South Africa 31 times in Test cricket. Out of this, the Proteas won 17 games, while Pakistan also claimed 7 wins. An additional 7 Tests ended in draws.

Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch report

The pitch at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is known to favour batters, offering consistent bounce and pace for stroke play. 

Fast bowlers can expect some movement early on; however, the home side is keen on preparing a spin-friendly wicket. 

Historically, chasing teams have enjoyed better results here. High scores are common, with the average first-innings total around 336 and the second innings nearing 400. However, the surface tends to slow down later, making batting tougher in the final stages.

Pakistan and South Africa probable playing XI

Pakistan

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan

South Africa

Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada

Top-run scorers in PAK vs SA Tests

We are only considering players from the current squad

Aiden Markram - 608 runs

South Africa’s stand-in Test captain Aiden Markram has scored 608 runs in 15 Test innings vs Pakistan. He had a 43.42 average, 54.43 strike rate, 1 hundred and 4 half-centuries. 

Babar Azam - 601 runs

Former Pakistan Test captain Babar Azam has amassed 601 runs in 16 Test innings vs South Africa with 37.56 average, 62.66 strike rate and 6 fifties.

Shan Masood - 599 runs

Pakistan’s current captain, Shan Masood, has also scored 599 runs in 16 Test innings vs South Africa. He maintained a 37.43 average, 52.54 strike rate, 1 hundred and 4 fifties.

Top wicket-takers in PAK vs SA in Tests

We are only considering players from the current squad

Kagiso Rabada - 32 wickets

South Africa’s premium speedster Kagiso Rabada has dominated Pakistan with 32 wickets in 16 Test innings. He also had a 27.40 average and 3.45 economy.

Shaheen Afridi - 20 wickets

Pakistan’s left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi has also picked 20 wickets against South Africa in 9 Test innings with 24.30 average and 3.56 economy.

Hasan Ali - 18 wickets

Another key Pakistan pacer, Hasan Ali, has claimed 18 wickets in 10 Test innings with 29.50 average, 3.88 economy and 2 five-wicket-hauls.

PAK vs SA key stats

Pakistan records

  • Noman Ali has been in terrific form for Pakistan, claiming 26 wickets in 6 Test innings this year alone. He also picked up three fifers and two 10-wicket match hauls, including the one in the 1st Test vs South Africa.
  • Imam-ul-Haq is also in good touch. Before the 93-run inning in the first Test, he scored 105, 70, 106, 54, 117, 159 and 55 in County cricket. 
  • Babar Azam has scored 3 out of his 9 total Test centuries in Rawalpindi alone. In 11 innings, he has scored 570 runs with 57.00 average.
  • Shan Masood vs Keshav Maharaj - 67 runs, 143 balls, 0 dismissals
  • Aiden Markram vs Noman Ali - 69 runs, 175 balls, 4 dismissals
  • Tristan Stubbs vs Noman Ali - 1 run, 9 balls, 2 dismissals

South Africa records

  • Dewald Brevis is off to a great start with his Test career. In 5 innings alone, he has hammered 138 runs with 2 fifties and 98.57 strike rate.
  • Wiaan Mulder is South Africa’s most in-form batter. In 8 Test innings played this year, he scored 586 runs with 83.71 average, 2 centuries and the high score of 367*
  • Senuran Muthusamy has claimed 15 wickets in just 2 Tests played in 2025, including 2 fifers and an average of 20.66.
  • Babar Azam vs Kagiso Rabada - 130 runs, 221 balls, 4 dismissals
  • Babar Azam vs Keshav Maharaj - 62 runs, 131 balls, 3 dismissals
  • Aiden Markram vs Hasan Ali - 91 runs, 102 balls, 3 dismissals

Records that can be broken in PAK vs SA 2nd Test

  • Shan Masood is 37 runs away from completing 2500 Test runs.
  • Noman Ali is 7 wickets away from completing 100 Test wickets.