SA vs PAK Team Previews
South Africa
The South African cricket team will be led by the reliable Temba Bavuma, who scored 327 runs in the Test series against Sri Lanka, earning him the title of Player of the Series. Alongside him, Aiden Markram, known for his aggressive mentality and solid technique, will aim to secure the opening batting position, with support from Tony de Zorzi. De Zorzi, a left-handed player, is starting to make a name for himself in international cricket.
Ryan Rickelton brings a calm demeanor and an understanding of the highveld conditions, adding stability to the lineup. The middle order features the explosive Tristan Stubbs, who has scored 490 runs in his last seven Test matches. David Bedingham has been a consistent run-scorer in county cricket, a form that has positively influenced his innings for South Africa.
Kyle Verreynne is a quick batsman and wicketkeeper whose adaptability will be vital in challenging situations. In their last Test match, both Rickelton and Verreynne scored centuries. Marco Jansen, a left-arm bowler, will be valuable with the new ball when he can get it to swing, and he also has the ability to contribute with the bat. Kagiso Rabada is South Africa’s top fast bowler, known for his speed and precision, making him a true match-winner.
Complementing him is Keshav Maharaj, a left-arm spinner whose clever bowling has proven effective; he recently took five wickets in his last Test, bringing his total to 35 wickets in the past six matches.
South Africa Expected Playing 11
- Aiden Markam
- Tony de Zorzi
- Ryan Rickelton
- Tristan Stubbs
- Temba Bavuma (c)
- David Bedingham
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen
- Keshav Maharaj
- Kagiso Rabada
- Dane Paterson
Pakistan
Saim Ayub and Abdullah Shafique offer a balanced approach against the new ball while also displaying explosive shot-making abilities. Ayub, who scored a half-century during Pakistan’s series against England, has been in exceptional form in both T20 and ODI formats. Shan Masood’s reliable technique and strategic understanding serve as the backbone of the innings.
The in-form Kamran Ghulam strengthens the middle order; he scored a century at home against England. When the situation calls for it, the elegant Saud Shakeel can accelerate the scoring and help build partnerships. In his most recent Test match, he scored 134 runs against England, bringing his tally to 826 runs in his last 10 Test appearances. Mohammad Rizwan plays a crucial role in the middle order, demonstrating his ability to handle pressure effectively. Salman Agha secures his place as an all-rounder, contributing with both dependable off-spin bowling and solid batting.
He showcased his skills by scoring a half-century in the second Test against England. Aamer Jamal adds pace and skill to the bowling attack as a seam bowler. The pace attack is dynamic, highlighted by Naseem Shah’s blistering speed and Mohammad Abbas’s expert swing bowling, making for a formidable challenge on a surface that offers seam and bounce.
Noman Ali leads the spin department as a left-arm spinner. In his last four Test matches, he has taken an impressive 30 wickets, including both a three-wicket haul and a four-wicket haul. Notably, in the second Test match against England, he claimed a total of 11 wickets.
Pakistan Expected Playing 11
- Abdullah Shafique
- Saim Ayub
- Shan Masood (c)
- Kamran Ghulam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Agha
- Aamer Jamal
- Noman Ali
- Naseem Shah
- Mohammad Abbas
SA vs PAK Betting Tips
The outcome of the T20I and ODI matches in this tour has set the stage for an exciting Test series. South Africa has a significant opportunity to qualify directly for the ICC World Test Championship Final, making this Test crucial for them. The match will be held on a pitch that will provide ample assistance to both teams’ bowling units. It is expected to be a fast-paced contest, and South Africa’s stronger batting lineup could give them the advantage.
South Africa is the favorite to win.
SA vs PAK Toss Prediction
What each captain wants from the toss may vary based on the weather. Both captains might choose to bowl first due to the initial damp and rainy conditions. Their strong seam bowling lineups would also benefit from this.
