South Africa vs Pakistan Match Preview, 1st Test

The two-match Test series between South Africa (SA) and Pakistan (PAK) gets underway with the first game beginning on Thursday, December 26, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

The hosts are coming into this clash on the back of a disappointing clean sweep at the hands of the Men in Green in the 50-over leg. Meanwhile, in the longest format of the game, the Proteas last played a series earlier this month at home against Sri Lanka and registered a convincing 2-0 series victory. This brilliant performance guided them to the top of the World Test Championship standings, surpassing Australia and India. The upcoming two home games against Pakistan are extremely important for the side. In fact, the Temba Bavuma-led side needs just one win out of the series to seal a spot in the WTC finale, which is set to be played at Lord's in June 2025.

On the other hand, Pakistan is running high on confidence after their brilliant show in the white-ball format and looks forward to taking the same momentum in red-ball cricket. In their last series against England at home, the Shan Masood-led side recorded their first Test series win at home after a gap of three years. Pakistan, who are no more in contention for the WTC final spot will look to dominate in this format before flying back home. The side doesn't have that great of a record in the Rainbow Nation, having won just two matches and losing 12. In two Boxing Day Tests they have played so far in South Africa, they have suffered defeats on as many occasions.

Match Details