South Africa is set to embark on a month-long tour of Pakistan, taking on their hosts in all three game versions. The first two clashes are Tests in Lahore and Rawalpindi.
The longest cricket variant is followed by the shortest, with three T20Is played between October 29 and November 1. The tour concludes in Faisalabad, with South Africa and Pakistan facing off in a trio of ODIs.
Here is a look ahead at the first Test.
Pakistan VS South Africa Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Pakistan VS South Africa Venue Date: Sunday, October 12 – Thursday, October 16
Pakistan VS South Africa Venue Odds:
History
These two Tests are the first for both countries in their next World Test Championship run. South Africa holds that title, with the Proteas famously winning their first major cricket trophy in 27 years earlier this year when they beat Australia at Lord’s.
It will be an interesting challenge for both sides. Pakistan finished bottom of the log in that competition, and the squad needs a boost in form and morale quickly.
South Africa and Pakistan are known for their fast bowling. These two Tests are to be played on spin-friendly wickets, which will require more guile and skill from the bowlers than flat-out speed and power.
Pakistan
Pakistan has zero Test form coming into this series. They have won only three of their last 12 Tests, being whitewashed by South Africa, Australia, and Bangladesh during that span. Their previous Test series was a 1-1 draw at home against the West Indies at the turn of the year, a team with their own set of issues currently.
One issue for Pakistan could be the lack of first-class cricket played by its stars. Key batsman Babar Azam is also on thin ice. Having been dropped from the T20 squad, the Proteas will look to use his weakness against left-armed pace against him. Marco Jansen, in particular, has been a problem for Azam throughout his career.
South Africa
South Africa’s form could not be more different from that of their hosts. The Proteas are looking for a record 11th win on the bounce in Test cricket, and you have to go back to January 2023 for their last defeat, with India winning in Cape Town to draw a series 1-1.
Series wins over Zimbabwe, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, and New Zealand have been impressive, with South Africa going into every Test as a serious threat to win.
South Africa will be without their talisman. Captain Temba Bavuma is out with a strained calf. So Aiden Markram steps in to skipper the side. They will also be out a frontline spinner for the first Test, with Keshav Maharaj dealing with a groin problem.
Best Bets
The choice of venue is of interest. This will be just the second Test in 16 years played in Lahore. This means we don’t know how the wicket will play, especially if the match goes all five days.
Markram and Ryan Rickelton are both priced at 63/20 to top score for the Proteas in the first innings. Given Markram’s added weight of being the team captain, I like Rickelton as the play.
Pakistan has won three of four on home spin-focused wickets, which is why they are the favorites. I expect them to have enough to win.
