Match Overview
Teams: South Africa vs. Pakistan
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Pakistan
Date: Monday, 20 October 2025 onwards
Series Context: Pakistan leads 1-0 after winning the first Test by 93 runs. A win here would secure the series for Pakistan, while South Africa will aim to bounce back.
Pitch and Conditions
The Rawalpindi pitch is expected to favor spinners, with turn likely increasing as the match progresses.
Teams may struggle against spin in the middle overs, so batting technique and patience will be key.
Team News
South Africa:
Keshav Maharaj returns from injury, strengthening the spin attack.
Marco Jansen returns to bolster the pace attack.
Pakistan:
Asif Afridi makes his Test debut, replacing the injured Hasan Ali.
Pakistan will rely on experienced spinners to exploit the turning pitch.
Key Battles to Watch
Pakistan’s spinners vs South African batsmen: Maharaj and co. will test Pakistan’s technique on a spinning track.
South African fast bowlers vs Pakistani batsmen: Jansen and pace attack could exploit early morning moisture or short-pitched deliveries.
Middle-order resilience: Both teams will need their middle-order to withstand spin and build partnerships.
What to Expect
A tight, tactical game dominated by spin.
Lower scores in some sessions due to the pitch favoring bowlers.
Strategic batting, patience, and partnerships will be decisive.
Pakistan looks to seal the series, while South Africa will fight to level it.
