Can SA challenge Pakistan in Rawalpindi? 2nd Test preview
What's the story
South Africa would hope for a comeback in the 2nd and final Test against Pakistan at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, starting October 20. The visitors lost the series opener by 93 runs after failing to chase down 277. While Pakistan are expected to field an unchanged XI, South Africa could include Keshav Maharaj, who has recovered from his groin strain. Here's the match preview.
Match details
Pitch report and conditions
The pitch in Rawalpindi is likely to be flat, thereby aiding batters. As was the case in the series opener, the Rawalpindi wicket will turn from Day 1. Therefore, spinners will be in action throughout the match. According to the weather forecast, all five days of the Test will likely be sunny with some cloud formation on the third day.
Information
Streaming details
The 2nd Test is scheduled to begin at 10:30am IST. It can be followed live on FanCode (app & website). There is no official broadcast for the same in India.
Record
A look at head-to-head record
Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other in 30 Test matches so far, as per ESPNcricinfo. Pakistan have won seven while South Africa have emerged victorious in 17. The remaining seven matches ended in a draw. Pakistan have four wins and two defeats against SA across 10 home Tests. This is South Africa's first tour of Pakistan since 2021.
Likely XIs
What can be the XIs?
Pakistan (Probable XI): Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Hasan Ali. South Africa (Probable XI): Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (wicket-keeper), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
Recap
How the series opener panned out
Electing to bat first, Pakistan racked up 378, with Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha scoring 93 runs each. Senuran Muthusamy recorded a six-fer. Despite Tony de Zorzi's ton, SA responded with a below-par 269. Noman Ali took six wickets. Pakistan folded for 167 in the second innings, setting a 277-run target. Muthusamy recorded another fifer. SA perished for 183 despite recovering from 55/4.