South Africa vs Pakistan Prediction 100 Sure, 1st Test Today Match Preview - Who Will Win?

The highly anticipated 1st Test between South Africa and Pakistan kicks off the Pakistan tour of South Africa on December 26, 2024, at 02:00 PM IST, at SuperSport Park, Centurion. This clash is part of the ICC World Test Championship 2023-25 cycle and promises to deliver exciting cricket action.

South Africa vs Pakistan Weather Conditions

The weather in Centurion is expected to be favorable for cricket over the five days of the Test. Clear skies and sunny conditions are predicted, with temperatures ranging between 18°C to 30°C. A dry pitch coupled with warm weather is likely to assist the fast bowlers initially, before favoring spinners as the match progresses.

South Africa vs Pakistan Recent Team Performances

South Africa: South Africa enters the series in red-hot form, boasting an impressive run of five consecutive Test wins. In their last series against Sri Lanka, South Africa secured commanding victories by 233 and 109 runs. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada and Keshav Maharaj, has been exceptional, while batters like Aiden Markram and Temba Bavuma have provided solid starts and vital contributions.

Pakistan: Pakistan's recent form has been mixed, with three losses followed by two strong wins. They dominated the latter part of their home series against England, clinching victories by 9 wickets and 152 runs in the final two Tests. Saud Shakeel and Agha Salman have been standout performers with the bat, while Shaheen Afridi has continued to excel with the ball.

South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head Record

In their last five encounters, Pakistan and South Africa have shared competitive moments. Pakistan claimed victories in their most recent clashes, winning by 95 runs in Rawalpindi on February 4, 2021, and by 7 wickets in Karachi on January 26, 2021. However, South Africa dominated the earlier meetings, securing a 107-run victory in Johannesburg on January 11, 2019, followed by a 9-wicket win in Cape Town on January 3, 2019, and a 6-wicket triumph in Centurion on December 26, 2018.

South Africa vs Pakistan Players to Watch

South Africa:

• Aiden Markram: A technically sound batter with a knack for big scores on home soil.

• Kagiso Rabada: South Africa's pace spearhead, who thrives on Centurion's bouncy track.

• Keshav Maharaj: A crucial spinner, expected to play a significant role in the latter stages of the match.

Pakistan:

• Babar Azam: Pakistan's batting mainstay and skipper, capable of anchoring the innings.

• Saud Shakeel: In excellent form, he is expected to counter South Africa's pace attack effectively.

• Shaheen Afridi: A left-arm pacer who can exploit the early movement and test South Africa's top order.

South Africa vs Pakistan Playing 11 Prediction

South Africa: Dean Elgar (c), Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma, Rassie van der Dussen, Quinton de Kock (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje, Lungi Ngidi, Ryan Rickelton.

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Agha Salman, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf.

South Africa vs Pakistan Match Prediction

Best Batsman Prediction: Aiden Markram (South Africa) and Babar Azam (Pakistan).

Best Bowler Prediction: Kagiso Rabada (South Africa) and Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan).

Opening Partnership Prediction: South Africa's Elgar and Markram are likely to outscore Pakistan's opening pair.

South Africa vs Pakistan Today Match Prediction 100 sure - Who will win the 4th Test?

If South Africa bats first, they are expected to post a substantial score and leverage their potent bowling attack to seal a victory. Conversely, if Pakistan bats first, their chances hinge on Babar Azam and their ability to neutralize South Africa's seamers early. South Africa, given their home advantage and recent form, are favorites to win this match.