SA vs PAK 2nd Test Match Prediction: Who Will Win Today's Match Between South Africa Vs Pakistan?

SA vs PAK 2nd Test Match Prediction [Source: @ICC/x.com]

South Africa head into the second Test at Newlands, Cape Town starting Friday, January 3 filled with confidence after sealing their spot in the World Test Championship (WTC) Final. With a thrilling two-wicket win in Centurion behind them, the Proteas will aim to assert dominance and close out the series with a clean sweep wile Pakistan will look to bounce back and level the series.

South Africa

The Proteas have plenty to celebrate after their determined performance in the first Test. Aiden Markram’s brilliant 89 in the first innings and a gutsy 37 in the fourth innings showcased his class under pressure. The middle order also stepped up, with Temba Bavuma scoring a vital 40 and Corbin Bosch’s unbeaten 81 in the first innings providing the backbone of South Africa’s total.

However, it was Marco Jansen who stole the limelight with a scintillating six-wicket haul in Pakistan’s second innings. Jansen’s sensational spell ensured South Africa had a manageable target, and despite being 99/8 in the chase, Rabada and Jansen’s clutch partnership saw them over the line. Now, with their WTC Final spot secured, South Africa will look to cap off the series in style.

Pakistan

For Pakistan, the Centurion Test was a bitter pill to swallow. Saud Shakeel’s 84 in the second innings, along with half-centuries from Kamran Ghulam and Babar Azam, kept them in the hunt. Mohammad Abbas was the standout with the ball, picking up six wickets in South Africa’s second innings to bring Pakistan within striking distance of a win.

But missed opportunities and the inability to break the Rabada-Jansen stand proved costly. Pakistan will need to find a way to capitalize on crucial moments if they want to level the series and avoid a clean sweep. Their bowlers, led by Abbas, will once again be key on a green Newlands track.

SA vs PAK Head-to-Head Records In Tests

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How Will The Newlands Pitch Behave?

The Newlands pitch is shaping up to be a dream for fast bowlers. Early visuals show a lush green surface, promising plenty of bounce and movement for the seamers. Heavy rains earlier in the week have added moisture, which could make the first few sessions a nightmare for batters. Rain is also expected on Day 3, adding another layer of intrigue to the contest. The captain winning the toss may choose to bowl first to exploit the conditions, but Newlands has historically been a venue where both batting first and second have yielded nearly equal wins.

Players To Watch Out For In SA vs PAK 2nd Test

South Africa

David Bedingham

David Bedingham has scored 540 runs in his last 10 matches at an average of 31.76 and a strike rate of 68.44. His ability to build innings and provide stability makes him a key player for South Africa.

Aiden Markram

Aiden Markram has been in great touch as he has accumulated 536 runs in his last 8 matches at an average of 35.73 and a strike rate of 64.5. His consistency and ability to anchor the innings make him a critical batter for South Africa.

Keshav Maharaj

Keshav Maharaj has been outstanding as he has snagged 35 wickets in the last 6 matches with an economy of 2.77 and a strike rate of 41.62. His control and ability to extract turn make him a lethal weapon for South Africa.

Kagiso Rabada

Kagiso Rabada has bagged 34 wickets in 8 matches at an economy of 3.02 and a strike rate of 39.64. His pace and precision make him a game-changer for South Africa.

Pakistan

Saud Shakeel

Saud Shakeel has been exceptional, having scored 686 runs in the last 10 matches at an average of 38.11 and a strike rate of 55.36. His composed approach at the crease adds depth to Pakistan’s batting lineup.

Salman Agha

Salman Agha has contributed 674 runs in 10 matches at an impressive average of 48.14 and a strike rate of 68.63. His ability to perform in challenging situations makes him a standout batter for Pakistan.

Noman Ali

Noman Ali has been phenomenal as he has grabbed 27 wickets in just 3 matches at an economy of 3.06 and a strike rate of 25.96. His ability to exploit turning tracks makes him a key bowler for Pakistan.

Aamer Jamal

Aamer Jamal has taken 21 wickets in 6 matches with an economy of 4.5 and a strike rate of 36.8. His ability to bowl in clutch moments adds value to Pakistan’s bowling attack.

Today's Match Prediction: SA vs PAK 2nd Test

Predicted Top Performers

South Africa – David Bedingham, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada
Pakistan – Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal

SA vs PAK 2nd Test: Predicted Score

Predicted first innings score: 310-340
Predicted second innings score: 350-380
Predicted third innings score: 220-250
Predicted fourth innings score: 1800-210

Predicted Result: The team bowling first will likely have an advantage in this match.

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