Toss South Africa chose to bat vs Pakistan
All eyes will be on the Newlands pitch after it received an unsatisfactory rating when last year’s Test finished in 107 overs as a result of extreme seam movement and variable bounce. The surface appears similar to pitches at Newlands – mottled green with less grass than SuperSport Park – and despite last year, is usually good for batting on the first two days.
There was no room for Corbin Bosch, who debuted at SuperSport Park, or Dane Paterson at his home ground, while Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out with a left thigh strain. Ryan Rickelton will open with Aiden Markram and Mulder has moved to No. 3, ahead of Tristan Stubbs.
The first and second day at Newlands are sellouts, with big crowds expected in support of South Africa after their qualification for the World Test Championship final.
South Africa: Ryan Rickleton, 2 Aiden Markram, 3 Wiaan Mulder, 4 Tristan Stubbs, 5 Temba Bavuma (capt) 6 David Bedingham, 7 Kyle Verreynne (wk), 8 Marco Jansen, 9 Keshav Maharaj 10 Kagiso Rabada 11 Kwena Maphaka
Pakistan: 1 Shan Masood (capt), 2 Saim Ayub, 3 Babar Azam, 4 Kamran Ghulam, 5 Saud Shakeel, 6 Mohammad Rizwan (wk), 7 Salman Agha, 8 Aamer Jamal, 9 Khurram Shahzad, 10 Mohammad Abbas, 11 Mir Hamza
SA vs PAK 2024/25: South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test, Day 1, Cape Town Match Report, January 03 – 07, 2025
The highly anticipated 2nd Test match between South Africa and Pakistan kicked off at Newlands in Cape Town on January 03, 2025. Both teams were looking to bounce back after a thrilling draw in the first Test, and the stage was set for another exciting battle between these two cricketing powerhouses.
South Africa won the toss and elected to bat first on a pitch that looked conducive to batting. The Proteas got off to a steady start, with openers Aiden Markram and Sarel Erwee putting on a solid partnership. However, Pakistan struck back with quick wickets, removing Markram, Erwee, and Rassie van der Dussen in quick succession.
Despite the early setbacks, South Africa managed to steady the ship with captain Temba Bavuma and all-rounder Wiaan Mulder putting on a crucial partnership. The duo frustrated the Pakistani bowlers with some solid batting and aggressive stroke play, taking the Proteas to a respectable total at the end of the day’s play.
Bavuma played a captain’s knock, scoring a gritty half-century, while Mulder provided valuable support with a well-made 40. The South African innings ended at 260/5 at stumps on Day 1, with Mohammad Abbas being the pick of the bowlers for Pakistan with three wickets.
Overall, it was an evenly contested day of Test cricket, with both teams having their moments. The match is finely poised going into Day 2, with South Africa looking to build on their total and Pakistan aiming to restrict the hosts and make early inroads with the ball.
Cricket fans can expect more thrilling action as the SA vs PAK 2nd Test continues at Newlands in Cape Town. Stay tuned for more updates and analysis as the match progresses.
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