After an exciting T20I and ODI series, South Africa and Pakistan The two sides will once again clash in the longest format of the game, with the first game being the Boxing Day Test starting on December 26.
The much-anticipated test showdown
The first Test of the two-match series will set the tone for the five-day contest between the two countries. This conflict is also crucial for both sides ICC World Test Championship Scoreboard. South Africa are the current leaders from 2023-25 with six wins from 10 Test matches. On the one hand, the Proteas will try to continue their dominance in Test cricket and cement their place in the WTC finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, will be looking to beat South Africa again after defeating them 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series.
SA vs PAK 3 battles to watch out for in first Test
- Temba Bavuma VS Naseem Shah: Stamina vs. Speed
The South Africa skipper was silent for a long time during the ODI series against Pakistan, but the 34-year-old can never be taken lightly. He has had success with the bat in the recent Test series Sri Lanka Said a lot about his potential and ability to move forward in the five-day competition. The biggest name trying to stop Bavuma will be Pakistan's young pace star Naseem. The 21-year-old has been a vital addition to the Pakistan team for some time now. In Test cricket, especially on a favorable pitch like Centurion, he can get rid of any batsman in the Pakistan team with his brilliant performance.
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Neither Babar nor Rabada needs introduction in the world of world cricket. Babar is the mainstay of Pakistan's batting, while Rabada is the leader of South Africa's bowling line-up and is now entering his prime as a Test bowler. The duel between the two will ultimately determine the outcome of the entire series. Babar's dominance could pave the way for Pakistan's victory, while Rabada's ferocious bowling could lead South Africa to a historic series victory.
- Mohammad Rizwan vs Marco Janssen: A tactical masterclass
Rizwan is the brains of the Pakistan team. His ability to keep his temper even in adverse conditions is of great value in Test cricket. On the other side stood Jansen, the tall South African pacer. Known for his sharp bounce and deceptive changes, Jansen brings an aggressive edge to the game. His goal is to use his length and precise routing to unsettle hitters and force them into errors. This battle is gripping and crucial to the fate of both teams.
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