Pakistan is all set to clash with South Africa in a two-match Test series as part of the ICC World Test Championship. This highly anticipated series begins on Thursday, December 26, with the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, and concludes with the second Test at Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town, starting Friday, January 3. Both matches will commence at 1:00 PM PKT.
Recent Tour Performance: Momentum Favors Pakistan
Pakistan’s ongoing all-format tour of South Africa has already showcased their resilience and capability. While they lost the three-match T20I series (2-0), they made a historic comeback by whitewashing South Africa 3-0 in the ODI series. These victories have injected momentum and confidence into the squad as they gear up for the Test leg.
A Look at Pakistan’s Test Squad
The Pakistan Test squad, led by Shan Masood, arrived in South Africa on December 13 to adapt to local conditions. The squad includes several experienced players and promising talents:
- Key Returns:
- Mohammad Abbas, a seasoned pacer with 31 wickets in the recent Quaid-e-Azam Trophy season, makes a comeback after last playing in August 2021.
- Khurram Shahzad, another pacer, returns after recovering from injury sustained during the England Test series.
- New Leadership:
Interim head coach Aqib Javed takes charge of his first Test series after successfully leading the team in white-ball formats.
What the Captains Say
Shan Masood shared his thoughts ahead of the series:
“We are eagerly looking forward to this challenge against South Africa, one of the top teams in the world. With the return of experienced players and the momentum from our recent successes, we are confident in our preparation and ability to compete in these tough conditions.”
Head-to-Head: A Historic Rivalry
Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other in 12 Test series since 1995. The stats reflect a challenging rivalry:
- South Africa: 7 series wins
- Pakistan: 2 series wins
- Draws: 3 series
Pakistan last defeated South Africa in a Test series at home in early 2021 with a convincing 2-0 victory.
Test Series Schedule
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (PKT) |
|---|---|---|---|
| 26–30 December | 1st Test | SuperSport Park, Centurion | 1:00 PM |
| 3–7 January | 2nd Test | Newlands Cricket Ground, Cape Town | 1:00 PM |
Players to Watch
- Shan Masood (Captain): Leading from the front, Shan aims to inspire his team with his batting and leadership.
- Mohammad Abbas: A key weapon in challenging South African conditions, Abbas’ return bolsters Pakistan’s bowling attack.
- Khurram Shahzad: The young pacer is expected to make an impact with his pace and swing.
- Naseem Shah: The fiery young fast bowler remains a threat to any batting lineup.
Match Coverage and Updates
Fans can follow live scorecards, stats, and match reports through the PCB website. Stay tuned for in-depth analysis and updates throughout the series.
A Battle for ICC World Test Championship Glory
The series is a crucial fixture in the ongoing ICC World Test Championship. South Africa sits atop the championship table, while Pakistan, ranked seventh, will look to climb the rankings with strong performances.
Final Thoughts
With a historic rivalry, exciting players, and challenging conditions, the Pakistan-South Africa Test series promises to be a thrilling spectacle. Don’t miss the action as Pakistan takes on one of the world’s best cricketing sides starting this Boxing Day!
