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The much-awaited South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test match is scheduled to begin on Thursday, December 26, 2024, at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Both teams are brimming with confidence after their recent performances in different formats, and fans can expect a thrilling contest. Let’s dive into the match details, team previews, and prediction for this exciting clash.
Table of content
- 1 Match Details
- 2 Team Previews
- 3 South Africa vs Pakistan Squad
- 4 Dream11 Prediction for Today South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test
- 5 South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head
- 6 T20 History
- 7 SuperSport Park – Pitch Report
- 8 Weather Report
- 9 Toss Prediction
- 10 Match Prediction
- 11 FAQ – SA vs PAK 1st TEST
- 12 Share this:
- 13 Like this:
- 14 Related
Match Details
| Match | RSA vs PAK, 1st Test, Pakistan Tour of South Africa 2024-25 |
|---|---|
| Date | Thursday, December 26 – Monday, December 30, 2024 |
| Time | 1:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | SuperSport Park, Centurion |
| Broadcast | Sports 18 Network, Jio Cinema |
Team Previews
South Africa Preview
South Africa’s Test squad comes into this match with a stellar record, having recently whitewashed both Sri Lanka and Bangladesh. Temba Bavuma, the skipper, is in fine form with consistent contributions in recent matches. South Africa boasts a balanced batting lineup, including Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and debut sensation Tristan Stubbs, who has shown promise with two centuries in his early career.
Their bowling attack, led by the fiery Kagiso Rabada, will be their biggest strength on the seaming Centurion track. Rabada has been phenomenal against Pakistan in Tests, claiming 28 wickets in five matches. He will be supported by the versatile Marco Jansen and experienced Dane Paterson, making it a formidable pace trio.
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan enters this Test series on the back of a historic ODI whitewash of South Africa, which will boost their morale. However, transitioning to Test cricket will be challenging, especially on South African pitches.
Captain Shan Masood and batting maestro Babar Azam will anchor the innings, while Saud Shakeel and Saim Ayub are expected to bring stability to the middle order. Young Saim Ayub’s recent form in ODIs has been impressive, and he will look to replicate that success in Tests.
Pakistan’s bowling attack, spearheaded by Naseem Shah and Mohammad Abbas, has the potential to exploit South Africa’s conditions. All-rounder Aamer Jamal and spinner Nauman Ali add depth and variety to the attack.
South Africa vs Pakistan Squad
South Africa: RD Rickelton, T de Zorzi, AK Markram, T Stubbs, M Jansen, K Rabada, T Bavuma (C), K Verreynne (wk), DG Bedingham, KA Maharaj, D Paterson, H Klaasen, DA Miller, HE van der Dussen, OEG Baartman, Kwena Maphaka, T Shamsi, AL Phehlukwayo, RR Hendricks, D Ferreira, GF Linde, MP Breetzke, PE Kruger, AD Galiem, Wiaan Mulder, N Peter, S Muthusamy, Andile Simelane, A Nortje, G Coetzee
Pakistan: Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Naseem Shah, Saud Shakeel, Shan Masood (C), Aamer Jamal, Mir Hamza, Nauman Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Agha Salman, Usman Khan, Tayyab Tahir, Irfan Khan, Haris Rauf, M Hasnain, Abrar Ahmed, Sufyan Moqim, S Afridi, Abdullah Shafique, Haseebullah Khan, Omair Yousuf, Abbas Afridi, Mohammad Abbas, J Khan
Dream11 Prediction for Today South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test
| Player | Role |
|---|---|
| Temba Bavuma (C) | Batter |
| Babar Azam (VC) | Batter |
| Aiden Markram | Batter |
| Ryan Rickelton | Batter |
| Saim Ayub | Batter |
| Marco Jansen | All-rounder |
| Aamer Jamal | All-rounder |
| Kagiso Rabada | Bowler |
| Naseem Shah | Bowler |
| Agha Salman | Bowler |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper |
Fantasy XI Key Points
- Temba Bavuma (C): In excellent form and consistent in Tests.
- Babar Azam (VC): A reliable performer with a knack for scoring under pressure.
- Kagiso Rabada: The lead bowler who thrives on South African pitches.
Players to Avoid
- Nauman Ali: Unlikely to find success on a pace-friendly Centurion wicket.
- Tristan Stubbs: Yet to prove himself in the longer format.
Captains Picks
- Temba Bavuma (SA | BAT)
Skipper Bavuma has been consistent in 2024, crossing the 50-run mark five times in eight Test innings. With an average above 50 over the past four years, he remains a reliable captaincy choice. - Mohammad Rizwan (PAK | WK)
Rizwan averages 50.90 in Tests this year, amassing 509 runs while contributing with his wicket-keeping skills. A dependable option for captaincy. - Kagiso Rabada (SA | BOWL)
Rabada leads the South African attack with 32 wickets at an average of 17.96 in 2024. With 980 Test career runs, he adds value as an all-round pick.
Top Picks
- Marco Jansen (SA | ALL)
Jansen has claimed 15 wickets at an average of 18.93 this year. His lower-order batting makes him a dual-threat. - Agha Salman (PAK | BAT)
In excellent form with 435 runs at an average of 48.33 in 2024, Salman offers both batting depth and part-time spin. - Babar Azam (PAK | BAT)
Despite recent struggles, Babar is on the brink of 4,000 Test runs. He performed well on his previous South Africa tour.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head
| Matches Played | South Africa Wins | Pakistan Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 28 | 15 | 6 | 7 |
South Africa has dominated Pakistan in Tests, winning 15 out of 28 matches, while Pakistan has secured only 6 victories.
T20 History
South Africa
South Africa has played 470 Tests, winning 183 and losing 161, with 123 draws. Known for their aggressive and fearless cricket, they have consistently been a top team in the longest format.
Pakistan
Pakistan has played 461 Tests, with 150 wins and 145 losses, along with 166 draws. Renowned for producing world-class bowlers, Pakistan remains a competitive side in Tests.
SuperSport Park – Pitch Report
The SuperSport Park wicket is known for its bounce and seam movement, making it a paradise for fast bowlers. Batting will be challenging initially, but it should get easier as the game progresses.
| SuperSport Park |
| City | Centurion | ||
| Country | South Africa | ||
| Matches Played | 29 | ||
| Matches Won by Home Side | 23 (79.31%) | ||
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 3 (10.34%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting First | 13 (44.83%) | ||
| Matches Won Batting Second | 13 (44.83%) | ||
| Matches Drawn | 3 (10.34%) | ||
| Highest Individual Innings | 208 | H M Amla (South Africa) | 17/12/2014 v West Indies |
| Best Bowling (Innings) | 7/29 | K J Abbott (South Africa) | 22/02/2013 v Pakistan |
| Best Bowling (Match) | 13/144 | K Rabada (South Africa) | 22/01/2016 v England |
| Highest Team Innings | 621 (South Africa) | 26/12/2020 v Sri Lanka | |
| Lowest Team Innings | 101 (England) | 22/01/2016 v South Africa | |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 251/8 (England) | 14/01/2000 v South Africa | |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.81 | ||
| Average Score Batting First | 327 | ||
Weather Report
The weather in Centurion is expected to be mostly sunny, with temperatures ranging from 20°C to 30°C. There is no significant rain forecast, ensuring a full game.
Toss Prediction
The team winning the toss will likely choose to bat first, as the pitch tends to deteriorate over time.
Match Prediction
South Africa’s strong bowling unit and experience in home conditions give them a clear edge in this match.
Predicted Winner: South Africa
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – SA vs PAK 1st TEST
Who is the favorite to win the RSA vs PAK 1st Test?
South Africa is the favorite due to their dominant home record and balanced team.
What are the key players for South Africa?
Kagiso Rabada, Temba Bavuma, and Aiden Markram are key players.
What are the key players for Pakistan?
Babar Azam, Naseem Shah, and Saud Shakeel are crucial for Pakistan.
What is the weather forecast for the match?
Mostly sunny, with no significant rain interruptions expected.
What is the pitch condition at SuperSport Park?
The pitch is pacer-friendly with significant bounce and seam movement.
Can Pakistan win this match?
While Pakistan has the talent, they need extraordinary performances to outplay South Africa in their home conditions.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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