South Africa are looking to qualify for the World Test Championship finals at Lord’s next June. They need at least one win in the upcoming two-Test series against Pakistan. The first match begins on Boxing Day in Pretoria.
South Africa has risen to the top of the WTC rankings. This follows five successive Test wins against West Indies, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka in recent months. This gives them a good chance of playing either Australia, India or Sri Lanka in the final in London.
South Africa has two chances to qualify for the WTC finals. They are scheduled to hold the second Test at Newlands in Cape Town from January 3 to 7. They are expected to be successful due to their home advantage and winning record against Pakistan.
The young South African team exceeded expectations. They have been gaining momentum since their win against Guyana in August, which started their winning streak.
Pakistan, on the other hand, has never won a Test series in South Africa. They have lost their last seven Tests there.
The visiting team arrived without coach Jason Gillespie. He abruptly resigned this month and was replaced by former fast bowler Aqib Javed.
Pakistan will be encouraged by winning the home series against England in October. Their 3-0 victory over South Africa in the One-Day International series that ended last weekend will also boost their confidence.
Saim Ayub is a promising 22-year-old batsman who excelled in ODIs with two centuries. Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Rizwan and Naseem Shah also made significant contributions. These players remained for the two Test series, with Shan Masood captaining the team.
Pakistan seems to be lacking bowlers. In contrast, South Africa boast a strong pace attack led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Janssen. South Africa’s pitches are expected to favor fast bowlers.
South Africa want all-rounder Wyan Mulder back in the squad. He broke his finger in the match against Sri Lanka last month.
There is uncertainty over the signing of key left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj. An adductor strain forced him to miss the ODI series. Maharaj and Mulder are part of the test squad announced last week, but their participation is dependent on passing a fitness test.
