After the T20I and the ODI series, the Test series between South Africa and Pakistan will commence this week. The first Test of the two-match series will be played on Thursday (December 26) at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.
South Africa vs Pakistan Test series will conclude Pakistan’s all-format tour of South Africa. The tour began on a poor note for Pakistan as South Africa beat them 2-0 in the T20Is.
However, the visitors responded in style by clinching a historic 3-0 victory in the ODI series. Pakistan thoroughly outplayed South Africa in the ODIs to win the series.
The Mohammad Rizwan-led side began the ODI series with a 3-wicket win. Pakistan won the second game by 81 runs to take a 2-0 lead in the series before winning the final game by 36 runs (DLS method). Ahead of the first Test, here are all the predictions for the game.
SA vs PAK Match Prediction- 1st Test, Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-25:
SA vs PAK Key Factors
Pitch Conditions
The first SA vs PAK Test will be played at the SuperSport Park in Centurion where both batsmen and bowlers will get ample assistance from the conditions to make an impact.
The pace and bounce of the surface will assist the pacers while the spinners are unlikely to get much support. The batsmen will also enjoy shot-making as the ball will be coming nicely onto the bat.
Form and Fitness
South Africa have a couple of injury concerns ahead of the first Test. While both Wiaan Mulder and Keshav Maharaj are in the squad, they are not fully fit and are in a race against time for the first Test.
Maharaj recently missed the ODI series against Pakistan due to a torn hip flexor while Mulder is sidelined with a broken finger. On the other hand, Pakistan does not have any major injury concerns as of now.
Score Prediction
| Team | 1st innings | 2nd innings |
| SA | 350-400 | 200-250 |
| PAK | 250-300 | 150-200 |
SA vs PAK Players to perform prediction
SA – Tony de Zorzi, Temba Bavuma, Aiden Markram, Tristan Stubbs Marco Jansen, and Kagiso Rabada are the key players for South Africa.
PAK – Babar Azam, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Agha and Abdullah Shafique are the key players for Pakistan.
SA vs PAK Best Batsman Prediction
Who will score the most runs for SA in the match: Temba Bavuma or Tristan Stubbs
Who will score the most runs for PAK in the match: Saim Ayub or Salman Agha
SA vs PAK Best Bowler Prediction
Who will pick the most wickets for SA in the match: Kagiso Rabada or Marco Jansen
Who will pick the most wickets for PAK in the match: Mohammad Abbas or Naseem Shah
Conclusion – Who will win the Match?
While Pakistan won the ODI series comfortably against South Africa, the latter will start the first Test as favorites and are expected to win it.
South Africa also has a hundred percent record against Pakistan in Centurion. They have won all three Tests that they have played against Pakistan at the venue.