Physical Address
304 North Cardinal St.
Dorchester Center, MA 02124
After an exciting T20I and ODI series, South Africa and Pakistan they will face off again in the longest format of the game with the first match, the Boxing-Day Test starting on December 26.
The long-awaited test match
The opening Test of the 2-match series will set the tone for the five-day action between the two nations. Conflict is also key to ICC World Test Championship order. South Africa is the leader of the current 2023-25 cycle with 6 wins in 10 Test matches. The Proteas, on the one hand, will be looking to continue their dominance in Test cricket and cement their place in the WTC final. On the other hand, Pakistan will be looking forward to another upset of the South Africans after they defeated South Africa 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series.
3 battles to watch out for in the first SA vs PAK test
- Temba Bavuma vs Naseem Shah: Stamina vs Pace
The South African captain had a quiet game with the bat against Pakistan in the ODI series, but the 34-year-old should never be taken lightly. His success with the bat in the recent test series against Sri Lanka speaks volumes for his potential and ability to continue in the five-day format. The most prominent name trying to stop Bavuma will be the young Pakistani sensation, Naseem. The 21-year-old has been a significant addition to the Pakistan team for some time now. In Test cricket, especially on favorable grounds like Centurion, he can get rid of any batsman for Pakistan with a brilliant move.
Also read: SA vs PAK: Saim Ayub joins exclusive club alongside Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli after impressive ton in 3rd ODI
Both Babar and Rabada need no introduction to world cricket. While Babar is the backbone of Pakistan’s batting line-up, Rabada is the spearhead of the South African bowling line-up who is now entering the prime of his skills as a Test bowler. The meeting between the two may ultimately decide the outcome of the series. Babar’s dominance can pave the way for Pakistan’s triumph, while Rabada’s ferocious bowling can lead South Africa to a historic series win.
- Mohammad Rizwan vs Marc Jansen: A tactical masterclass
Rizwan is very much the brain of the Pakistan team. He has the ability to keep his temper steady even in adverse conditions, which is something of the greatest value in Test cricket. On the other side is the South African pacer Jansen. Known for his sharp bounce and deceptive variations, Jansen brings aggression to the contest. He aims to unsettle batsmen with his height and accurate line, forcing them into mistakes. This battle promises to be both thrilling and crucial to the fortunes of both teams.
