With the SA vs PAK white-ball series done and dusted, Pakistan and South Africa will now renew their rivalry in Tests. The SA vs PAK two-match series between the two teams will start this week.
South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test will be played from Thursday (December 26) at the SuperSport Park, Centurion.
With a World Test Championship final at stake, both teams will be desperate to win the Test series. While South Africa are in a great position to qualify for the final, Pakistan only have an outside chance.
After being whitewashed in the SA vs PAK ODI series, South Africa will be desperate to avoid the same mistakes in the Test series. They will be looking to bounce back and win the series to qualify for the final. Even a 1-0 win will be enough for South Africa to make it to the WTC final.
Pakistan, on the other hand, cannot afford more slip-ups. Even if they win the Test series, they will have to depend on other results for a place in the final. For the time being, Pakistan will be looking to focus only on the series and leave the rest to fate.
SA vs PAK Weather Report And Pitch Report Of the SuperSport Park – 1st Test, Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-25:
SA vs PAK Weather Report Of Centurion:
The first Test between South Africa and Pakistan will be played in Centurion. The first day of the Test is unlikely to face any rain interruptions although the condition could be overcast.
For the remaining four days of the Test, there is a forecast for rain. Rain could play spoilsport throughout the Test. Overcast conditions could make lives difficult for batsmen. The temperature will be hovering in the 20s during the daytime throughout the Test.
SA vs PAK, 1st Test – Pitch Report:
Here are the stats of the SuperSport Park, Centurion:
| First Test Match | 16/11/1995 |
| Last Test Match | 26/12/2023 |
| Matches Played | 29 |
| Matches Won by Home Side | 23 (79.31%) |
| Matches Won by Touring Side | 3 (10.34%) |
| Matches Won by Neutral Side | 0 (0.00%) |
| Matches Won Batting First | 13 (44.83%) |
| Matches Won Batting Second | 13 (44.83%) |
| Matches Won Winning Toss | 14 (48.28%) |
| Matches Won Losing Toss | 12 (41.38%) |
| Matches Drawn | 3 (10.34%) |
| Matches Tied | 0 (0.00%) |
| Highest Team Innings | 621 (South Africa) |
| Lowest Team Innings | 101 (England) |
| Highest Run Chase Achieved | 251/8 (England) |
| Average Opening Stand (Runs) | 29.34 |
| Average Runs per Wicket | 29.81 |
| Average Runs per Over | 3.36 |
| Average Score Batting First | 327 |
The conditions at the SuperSport Park will be more favorable for the bowlers. However, the batsmen will also get their reward if they apply themselves. 327 runs is the average first-innings total at the venue which means that batsmen will also get good assistance from the surface.
The last Test played at the venue was between South Africa and India in 2023. In that Test, South Africa had scored 408 runs and registered an innings victory.
Conclusion:
While the upcoming Test between South Africa and Pakistan promises to be a thrilling affair, rain is likely to play spoilsport. While rain is likely to stay away on the opening day of the Test, the next four days could be marred by thunderstorms. Both teams will be hoping that they get ample time in the Test to force a result.