After an exciting series of T20Is and ODIs, South Africa and Pakistan they are also set to face each other in the longest series of the series with the first match, the Boxing-Day Test starting on December 26.
The most awaited Test match
The opening 2-match Test will set the stage for the five-day series between the two countries. The argument is also important to the audience ICC World Test Championship standing. South Africa are the 2023-2025 leaders having won 6 out of 10 Test matches. The Proteas, on the other hand, will look to continue their dominance of Test cricket and consolidate their place in the WTC finals. On the other hand, Pakistan is hoping to upset the South Africans after defeating South Africa 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series.
Three battles to watch out for in SA vs PAK first Test
- Temba Bavuma vs Naseem Shah: Endurance Vs Pace
The South African captain has been quiet and batting against Pakistan in the ODI series, but the 34-year-old is not to be taken lightly. His success with the bat in the recent test series against Sri Lanka he talks a lot about his ability and his ability to continue in the five day cycle. The most famous name that is trying to stop Bavuma will be the young movement of Pakistan, Naseem. The 21-year-old has been a prominent figure in the Pakistan team for some time now. In Test cricket, especially on good pitches like Centurion, he can take out any Pakistan batsman and do well.
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Both Babar and Rabada do not want to be introduced in international cricket. While Babar is the backbone of Pakistan's batting, Rabada is the leader of the South African bowling team now entering the future of his skills as a Test bowler. The encounter between the two could decide the outcome of the series. Babar's dominance could lead to Pakistan's victory while Rabada's devastating bowling could lead South Africa to a historic victory.
- Mohammad Rizwan vs Marco Jansen: A team of technical experts
Rizwan is the brain of the Pakistani team. He can keep his temper even in difficult situations, a very important thing in the game of Cricket. On the other side is South Africa's top speedster Jansen. Known for his fierce jump shot and deceptive versatility, Jansen brings an edge to the competition. He wants to confuse the attackers with his height and direct line, forcing them to make mistakes. This fight promises to be an exciting and important one for both the teams.