South Africa vs Pakistan Second Test Tips - Proteas to clean sweep
01 Jan 2025
Read More
South Africa vs Pakistan First Test Tips - Boxing Day blues for the visitors
- South Africa vs Pakistan First Test match predictions to be played in Centurion from Thursday, December 26
- South Africa won 11 of their last 13 home Tests
- Pakistan lost 11 of their last 12 Tests in South Africa
Can South Africa continue their strong record over Pakistan with a win in the Boxing Day Test?(Getty Images)
South Africa vs Pakistan First Test
With a place in the WTC final up for grabs, South Africa will look to extend their home record against Pakistan with a win in the Boxing Day Test. This is the first of the two-match series and will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion starting from Thursday.
- South Africa vs Pakistan First Test
- Head to Head
- South Africa Form
- South Africa Team News
- Pakistan Form
- Pakistan Team News
- South Africa vs Pakistan First Test FAQs
South Africa were clean swept in the preceding ODI series, but the white-ball matches are a different game altogether. The Proteas have a great recent record against Pakistan, which gets better when playing at home. I am backing them to do the job here.
- South Africa won their last 5 matches (Tests)
- South Africa won 11 of their last 13 home matches (Tests)
- South Africa won 9 of their last 10 matches at this venue (Tests)
- Pakistan lost 11 of their last 12 away matches against South Africa (Tests)
- Pakistan’s opening pair averages 8 in their last 12 innings (Tests)
Head to Head
There have been 28 Tests between South Africa and Pakistan so far, with the Proteas winning 15, losing six, and the remaining seven ending in a draw.
The last time these sides met was in 2021 in Pakistan, when the Asian side won 2-0. When they played in South Africa the last time in 2019, the Africans won 3-0.
South Africa Form
South Africa are top of the WTC points tally with 63.33 percentage points. They need just one win out of these two matches to be assured of qualification for the final.
The hosts were last seen in this format last month at home, when they won 2-0 against Sri Lanka. That made it five wins in a row, dating back to August when they toured the West Indies.
Injuries seem to halt their preparations, though, with Kehsav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder under injury cloud. The uncapped pace bowlers Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch could be pushing for a debut.
South Africa Team News
Bosch could be edging the contest against Maphaka for a place in the final XI. Maharaj’s place could go to Senuran Muthusamy, although the Proteas could go for an all-pace unit.
Pakistan Form
Pakistan are seventh in the WTC standings with 33.33 percentage points. They have a very remote chance of qualifying for the final, needing to win both the matches and also hoping South Africa drops an over-rate point.
Confidence will be high after a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODIs, which was preceded by a come-from-behind 2-1 win against England at home in the Tests.
The Men in Green have recalled Babar Azam and Naseem Shah after being dropped for the home matches against England.
Pakistan Team News
The recalled Mohammad Abbas is likely to slot straight into the playing XI, while Khurram Shahzad, Kamran Ghulam, Haseebullah Khan, and Noman Ali are the players set to be on the bench.
South Africa vs Pakistan First Test FAQs
Where can I watch the South Africa vs Pakistan First Test live stream?
Our live streaming calendar shows you where to watch the South Africa vs Pakistan First Test live stream.
What time does South Africa vs Pakistan First Test start?
This South Africa vs Pakistan First Test match is being played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion starting at 1:30 p.m. IST on Thursday, December 26.
Verdict
South Africa have a great recent record against Pakistan, as well as an impressive record in Boxing Day Tests. Centurion also plays to their advantage, which is why I am backing the home team to win here. Also keep an eye on the odds for opening partnership, as South Africa are set to ace that stat also.
South Africa Win
@-125.00 - 3 Units
Get $10 when you sign up
with promo code NEWBONUS
18+. T&Cs apply.
