SA vs PAK, Boxing-Day Test: Top 3 key battles to watch out for

After an exciting T20I and ODI series, South Africa and Pakistan are once again set to face each other in the longest format of the game with the first match, the Boxing-Day Test starting from December 26.

The much-awaited Test clash

The opening Test of the 2-match series will set the tone for the five-day action between the two nations. The clash is also crucial for the ICC World Test Championship standings. South Africa are leaders of the current 2023-25 cycle with 6 wins in 10 Test matches. The Proteas, on one hand, will strive to continue their Test cricket dominance and consolidate their spot in the WTC finals. Pakistan, on the other hand, will look forward to upset the South Africans once again after they defeated South Africa 3-0 in the recently concluded ODI series.

3 battles to watch out for in SA vs PAK first Test

• Temba Bavuma vs Naseem Shah: Endurance Vs Pace

The South African captain had a silent span with the bat against Pakistan in the ODI series, but the 34-year-old is never to be taken lightly. His success with the bat in the recent test series against Sri Lanka speaks volumes of his potential and ability to keep going in the five-day format. The most prominent name trying to stop Bavuma will be a young pace sensation for Pakistan, Naseem. The 21-year-old has been a notable addition in the Pakistan squad for some time now. In Test cricket, particularly on favourable pitches like Centurion, he can get rid of any batter for Pakistan with a stroke of brilliance.

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Both Babar and Rabada do not need an introduction in world cricket. While Babar is the backbone of Pakistan batting, Rabada is the leader of the South African bowling line-up now entering the prime of his prowess as a Test bowler. The encounter between these two can ultimately decide the outcome of the series. Babar’s dominance can pave a way for Pakistan’s triumph while Rabada’s ferocious bowling can lead South Africa to a historic series win.

• Mohammad Rizwan vs Marco Jansen: A tactical master-class

Rizwan is very much the brains of the Pakistani squad. He has the ability to keep his temperament steady even in adverse conditions, something of prime value in Test cricket. On the other side stands South Africa’s towering pacer Jansen. Known for his sharp bounce and deceptive variations, Jansen brings an aggressive edge to the contest. He aims to unsettle batters with his sheer height and precise line, forcing them into errors. This battle promises to be both enthralling and crucial for the fortunes of both teams.

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