South Africa and Pakistan are set to face off in the first Test of their two-match series at the SuperSport Park Cricket Stadium, Centurion, starting Thursday, December 26. Both teams bring significant momentum into this red-ball encounter, promising an intense and competitive contest.
South Africa’s dominance in Test cricket
South Africa will enter the series in formidable form, having recently dismantled Sri Lanka in a two-match Test series, clinching a 2-0 whitewash. This comprehensive performance not only reinforced their dominance but also solidified their position at the top of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) standings. Playing in home conditions, South Africa will aim to leverage their familiarity with the pace and bounce of Centurion’s surface to maintain their winning streak.
Pakistan’s recent success across formats
Pakistan, meanwhile, arrives with confidence riding high after a 3-0 clean sweep in the ODI series preceding this Test battle. In Test cricket, they come off a hard-fought 2-1 series win against England on home soil, showcasing their ability to perform under pressure. Although the conditions in South Africa will be vastly different, Pakistan’s mix of experienced players and emerging talent will be key in adapting to the challenges posed by South Africa’s formidable bowling attack.
SA vs PAK, 1st Test:
- Date and Time: December 26: 08:00 am GMT / 10:00 am local/ 1:30 pm IST
- Venue: SuperSport Park, Centurion
SuperSport Park Pitch Report:
The pitch at SuperSport Park in Centurion is known for being highly favourable for batting. It offers good pace and bounce, allowing batters to play aggressively once they settle in. While bowlers may find some seam movement early on, conditions generally become easier for scoring as the match progresses. Spinners may struggle for significant turn, but variations can still be effective. Historically, teams batting first have had a slight edge, making the toss crucial.
SA vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Picks:
- Wicketkeepers: Mohammad Rizwan, Kyle Verreynne
- Batters: Temba Bavuma, Babar Azam, Saim Ayub
- All-rounder: Salman Agha, Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen
- Bowlers: Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Naseem Shah
SA vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Captain and Vice-Captain:
- Choice 1: Marco Jansen (c), Mohammad Rizwan (vc)
- Choice 2: Babar Azam (c), Kagiso Rabada (vc)
Also READ: SA vs PAK: Centurion Weather Forecast for the Boxing Day Test | South Africa vs Pakistan 2024
SA vs PAK Dream11 Prediction Backups:
Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique
SA vs PAK Dream11 Team for today’s match (December 26, 08:00 am GMT):
Squads:
South Africa: Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Matthew Breetzke, Tony de Zorzi, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kwena Maphaka, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Dane Paterson, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne.
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saud Shakeel (vc), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Haseebullah (wk), Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mir Hamza, Mohammad Abbas, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Naseem Shah, Noman Ali, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha
