Newlands, Cape Town, pitch history and Test records

After confirming their place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final, South Africa is all set to host Pakistan once again. The Shan Masood-led side put up a strong fight against the Proteas in the first Test, which went over the ropes courtesy of a match-winning partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

The second Test awaits in Cape Town, a city that has hosted the most Tests (60) in South Africa. Pakistan would be wary as they have never beaten South Africa in four attempts. In fact, this is where the famous low-scoring affair between South Africa and India takes place in January 2024.

Ahead of the second South Africa vs Pakistan Test, here are some important numbers to know from previous Tests at the venue.

Newlands, Cape Town, Test record and statistics

The Proteas have a 27-22 record at the venue. 11 Tests were held here, the first match of which was in 1889.

Here is a list of some important numbers you should know from previous Test matches hosted by this venue:

Matches played: 60

Matches won by the first batting team: 23

The teams who hit second in the matches won: 26

The matches were even: 0

The matches were drawn: 11

Highest team total: 651 – South Africa v Australia, 2009

Lowest team total: 35/10 – South Africa v England, 1889

Highest successful run: 334/6, Australia vs South Africa, 2002

Highest individual score: 262- Stephen Fleming (NZ) v South Africa, 2006

Best Bowling Figures (Innings): 8/11 – John Briggs (England) v South Africa, 1889

Best bowling figures (match): 15/28 – John Briggs (England) v South Africa, 1889

Average first innings score: 322

Newlands, Cape Town Pitch Report

Heaven for Pacers! Here's what we got in the last match where India restricted South Africa to just 55 in the first innings. The wicket here was pretty bad to be honest, the batsmen had no chance to build an innings.

The pitch curator could come up with something to make amends, but the pacers still need to create a big 'test' for the top order batsmen. The exact pitch report will be broadcast live immediately before the live action for the second and final Test of the series.

Newlands, Cape Town, Final Test

South Africa v India - 2nd Test - Source: Getty — South Africa v India – 2nd Test – Source: Getty

The last time Newlands hosted a Test match, the ICC rated the pitch as “unsatisfactory”. The match ended in two days of cricket, with a total of 464 runs scored in four innings, at 116 runs per innings.

Mohanmmed Siraj's scintillating 6/15 SA recorded 55/10. In reply, India were in the driving seat before losing six wickets for zero runs! They collapsed from 153/4 to 153/10.

In reply, Aiden Markram scored a brilliant ton to get something on the board for South Africa. India chased down a total of 79 runs with ease, Rohit Sharma remaining unbeaten.