After an exciting T20I and ODI series South Africa And Pakistan will once again face off in the game’s longest format, with the first game, the Boxing Day Test, starting on December 26.
The eagerly awaited test fight
The opening Test of the two-match series will set the tone for five days of action between the two nations. The collision is also crucial for the ICC World Test Championship Ranking. South Africa are the leaders in the current 2023-25 cycle with 6 wins in 10 Test matches. The Proteas, on the one hand, will be looking to continue their Test cricket dominance and cement their place in the WTC finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking forward to upsetting the South Africans again after they defeated South Africa 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series.
3 fights to watch out for in the first SA vs PAK test
- Temba Bavuma vs Naseem Shah: Endurance vs pace
The South African captain had a quiet time with the bat in the ODI series against Pakistan, but the 34-year-old should never be taken lightly. His exploits with the bat in the recent Test series against Sri Lanka speaks volumes about his potential and ability to persevere in the five-day format. The most prominent name trying to stop Bavuma will be a young pace sensation for Pakistan, Naseem. The 21-year-old has been a notable addition to the Pakistan squad for some time now. In Test cricket, especially on favorable pitches like Centurion, he can get rid of any batsman for Pakistan with one brilliant stroke.
Also read: SA vs PAK: Saim Ayub joins Sachin Tendulkar and Virat Kohli in the exclusive club after an impressive win in the 3rd ODI
Both Babar and Rabada need no introduction to world cricket. While Babar is the backbone of the Pakistan batting line-up, Rabada is the leader of the South African bowling team, who is now at the peak of his prowess as a Test bowler. The meeting between these two can ultimately decide the outcome of the series. Babar’s dominance can pave the way to Pakistan’s triumph while Rabada’s ferocious bowling can lead South Africa to a historic series win.
- Mohammad Rizwan vs. Marco Jansen: A tactical masterclass
Rizwan is, so to speak, the head of the Pakistan team. He has the ability to keep his temperament stable even under adverse conditions, which is of utmost value in Test cricket. On the other side is South Africa’s outstanding pacer Jansen. Known for his sharp jump and deceptive variations, Jansen brings an aggressive edge to the competition. His goal is to unsettle batters with his sheer size and precise line and force them to make mistakes. This fight promises to be both exciting and decisive for the fate of both teams.
