As the second and final Test match between South Africa and Pakistan kicks off this Friday in Cape Town, all eyes will be on Pakistan, who are hoping to stage their comeback to level the series 1-1. The Proteas are currently leading the series 1-0, following a nail-biting victory in the first Test match. On the back of their victory in the first Test, South Africa also booked their seat in the World Test Championship final. Now, with the series on the line, both teams will fight for a decisive outcome.
South Africa enter the second Test with momentum on their side, having clinched a thrilling victory in the first match. In a thrilling finish, South Africa managed to edge out Pakistan, with Kagiso Rabada being the star of the show with a crucial 31-run knock unbeaten. His instrumental knock helped the side seal a two-wicket win. With a win already in their hands, South Africa will be looking to seal the series 2-0.
For Pakistan, they need to win in Cape Town to level the series and leave South Africa with a share of the spoils. Despite losing the first Test, Pakistan showed great resistance, particularly in their bowling department. Players like Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas led a stifling bowling attack but Pakistan's batting attack failed to fire on all cylinders. Their batters' form will be critical if Pakistan hope to fight back and claim the series draw. Furthermore, they will be desperate to bounce back after a heartbreaking defeat in the first game.
South Africa Probable XI: Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson
Pakistan Probable XI: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk) Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Abbas, Khurram Shahzad