Cricket

South Africa vs Pakistan 2nd Test Tips - New WTC Finalists Aim To Build On Momentum

By Nikhil Kalro

05 Feb 2025

Nikhil Kalro 05 Feb 2025

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South Africa secured a thrilling win in the first Test, advancing to the WTC Final
Key contributions from Paterson, Bosch, and a crucial partnership by Jansen and Rabada
Pakistan's commendable effort fell short; changes expected for the second Test

South Africa's Temba Bavuma (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Pakistan Second Test Preview
South Africa Form
South Africa Team News
Pakistan Form
Pakistan Team News

South Africa vs Pakistan Second Test Preview

South Africa huffed and puffed their way to a tight two-wicket win against Pakistan in the first Test in Centurion.

The significance of that victory was much larger though as South Africa booked their spot in the WTC Final at Lord’s to culminate a fantastic year, which included runs to the semis in the 2023 ODI World Cup in India and the T20 World Cup final in West Indies.

South Africa were fantastic for a large part of the first two days as they bowled Pakistan out for 211 on the first day led by Dane Paterson’s five-for. On debut, Corbin Bosch put in a sparkling performance with figures of 4 for 63.

In response, Pakistan fought with disciplined bowling to have South Africa struggling at 191 for 7. Aiden Markram led the fight from South Africa with 89 off 144 balls but Bosch’s fifty on debut carried the hosts to a lead of 90.

Pakistan came fighting back into a topsy-turvy Test through Saud Shakeel’s 84 off 113 balls and Babar Azam’s fifty. Marco Jansen claimed 6 for 52 to help South Africa bowl out the visitors for 237.

Chasing 148, South Africa were in dire trouble at 99 for 8 as Mohammad Abbas wrecked through the top and middle order. However, Jansen and Kagiso Rabada put in an unbroken stand of 51 to complete a tricky chase in tough batting conditions.

South Africa Form

South Africa will be troubled by the form of several of their batters. Apart from Temba Bavuma and Markram, not many stood up against a disciplined bowling attack. That will be the first step to address in the New Year’s Test in Cape Town.

South Africa Team News

Wiaan Mulder has been declared fit for the second Test and could slot straight in to the playing XI in Cape Town.

"When you come under those crunch moments, having something to fall back on like that as a team is pretty much what we're about as South Africans in many ways," Mulder said of South Africa’s fight back in Centurion.

"We never give up. We're always fighting. Sometimes we get punched to the floor and then you have to fight your way back. That's something that we're also trying to change in this team, is actually finding a way to throw the first punch."

Pakistan Form

Pakistan have had a solid tour to South Africa so far. Apart from a 3-0 win in the ODIs, they almost pulled off a stellar win in the first Test in Centurion.

That loss, though, will hurt, especially considering how close they were to pulling off an improbable result. Still, Pakistan will take plenty of confidence from that performance.

"We had the game in our hand, whether with the bat or the ball," captain Shan Masood said. "I don't have to add anything and sound like a broken record. [I'm] extremely proud of the efforts, but going forward as a team we need to be ruthless.

"We had the game by the scruff of the neck and even here twice, we had them eight down and we thought we were in a reasonable position and even with the bat, when we could have extended our score in both innings."

Pakistan Team News

There may be a bit more spin in Cape Town when compared to Centurion. That may result in a few horses-for-courses changes for the second Test.

Verdict

While South Africa have some concerns around their batting, the manner of their victory in the second Test will give them so much momentum.

Qualifying for the final will also give South Africa a bit of relief to play with more expression. In these conditions, South Africa should be too good, particularly considering the tradition and festivities around the New Year’s Test.

South Africa Win

Match Result

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