South Africa National Cricket Team has revealed their playing XI for the second and final Test against Pakistan National Cricket Team. Remarkably, the Temba Bavuma-led side made three changes to the playing XI, leaving out Corbin Bosch, who made an impressive debut in the first Test match.
South Africa lead the series 1-0 after a dramatic two-wicket win in the first Test against Pakistan. Chasing a target of 148, South Africa found themselves in a challenging position at 99 for 8, but Kagiso Rabada (31) and Marco Jansen steered the team to victory with a match-winning partnership of 51 runs.
The win also booked their place in the finals of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2025. Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma made significant contributions with the bat for South Africa. Rabada and Jansen also played a crucial role with the ball in the match. The hosts will be eager to sweep the series.
South Africa announce their playing XI for the next New Year's Test against Pakistan
South Africa have announced their playing XI for the second Test against Pakistan starting January 3 at Newlands, Cape Town. The team made several changes, with Kwena Maphaka making his Test debut. Maphaka replaced Dane Paterson, who was rested after his match-winning performance.
The all-rounder Wiaan Mulder came in for Tony de Zorzi, who will miss out with a left thigh strain and is being rested as a precaution. Keshav Maharaj replaced Corbin Bosch in the spin department. Mulder will bat at No. 3 in the upcoming game, while Ryan Rickelton will move up the batting order.
South Africa field XI for the second Test against Pakistan
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (captain), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (goalkeeper), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka
We are extremely proud of our Proteas men – Chief Executive Officer CSA
CSA CEO Pholetsi Moseki has expressed immense pride in the Proteas Men for qualifying for the World Test Championship final at Lord's in London. Moseki praised the team's progress over the past 18 months, congratulating coach Shukri Conrad and the players on their achievements.
“Today, we are extremely proud of our Proteas men after their outstanding achievement in qualifying for the World Test Championship final,” said Pholetsi Moseki.
“Their achievement is monumental and illustrates the progress they have made over the past 18 months, so hearty congratulations to coach Shukri Conrad and his team.”
“Journeys like these over a period of time are never easy, but Temba and his team have shown remarkable determination, commitment to excellence and a will to succeed in reaching the top of the world rankings.
“We can now look forward to an exciting six months as our boys prepare to take to the cricket ground in London.”