CAPE TOWN – South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma won the toss and chose to bat first in the second and final Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Friday. With the home team looking to complete a 2-0 series victory, Bavuma acknowledged the challenging conditions, anticipating the pitch would deteriorate as the match progressed.
“It’s hot, and we expect the wicket to break up. We want to finish the series on a strong note,” Bavuma said. Meanwhile, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood expressed his team’s readiness to bowl first despite the reduced grass coverage on the pitch.
“We would have preferred to bowl anyway, but the wicket has a bit less grass than usual. Both teams got what they wanted,” Masood remarked.
South Africa’s Changes and Debutant Kwena Maphaka
South Africa made three changes to their lineup from the narrow two-wicket victory in the first Test at Pretoria. The most notable change is the debut of 18-year-old fast bowler Kwena Maphaka, who becomes the youngest player in South Africa’s Test history, surpassing former spinner Paul Adams. Maphaka’s inclusion is a bold step as the team seeks to seal the series in style.
Opening batsman Tony de Zorzi has been ruled out due to a left thigh strain and is replaced by all-rounder Wiaan Mulder, who will bat at number three. Ryan Rickelton moves to the opening position. Spinner Keshav Maharaj, who has recovered from injury, returns to the side, replacing seamer Corbin Bosch.
Pakistan’s Adjustments
Pakistan also made one change to their lineup, bringing in seamer Mir Hamza to replace Naseem Shah. The changes reflect both teams’ efforts to adjust to the conditions and the stakes of the series.
South Africa’s World Test Championship Spot Secure
South Africa has already secured their place in the World Test Championship final, scheduled for June at Lord’s, making this the final Test for the team before the prestigious match. They will look to gain momentum ahead of the marquee clash.
Lineups:
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (capt.), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.
Pakistan: Shan Masood (capt.), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.
