International cricket is back in Pakistan after almost a year. Bangladesh were the last team to play in Pakistan which was back in February 2020. This is the first game in the country in the post-pandemic world, making it one historic series.
South Africa have flown to Pakistan and will play a Test match there for the first time in more than 13 years. The Proteas have a good record in Pakistan but that won’t count for much as October 2007 was the last time the two sides played a Test there.
The National Stadium in Karachi will host the first Test match. The two teams have had contrasting fortunes in their previous matches. Pakistan were blanked 0-2 in New Zealand and prior to that, they lost 0-1 to England in a three-match series in August. However, since Test cricket returned to Pakistan, the hosts have won two and drawn one game so far.
Moreover, this will be Babar Azam’s first Test series as the captain. This is a new-look Pakistan side with the bowling attack shuffled around. Imran Butt might make his Test debut.
Meanwhile, South Africa returned to international cricket with a bang as they recorded two big innings victories over Sri Lanka. In fact, they strolled through to victories and dominated most parts of the series.
MATCH PREVIEW:
Date: February 4th , 2021.
Time: 10:30 PM
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
PITCH REPORT:
The track at the National Stadium in Karachi is typically a good one to bat on. There might be some movement early on for the fast bowlers with the new ball. The spinners will be vital as well. Thus, an all-round pitch can be expected, which will have something for everybody.
WEATHER REPORT:
The weather on the day of the Second Test Pakistan VS South Africa cricket match is forecasted to be sunny 24 degree celsius. With sunny conditions and a certain amount of humidity, the pitch may grip the ball more in the later stages of the day.
Average 1st innings score:
326 (Last five first class matches)
Record of chasing teams:
Won – 0, Lost – 1, Draw/Tie – 4
Pakistan VS South Africa Probable Playing 11:
Here are the predicted XI for both teams for Pakistan VS South Africa Fantasy cricket
Pakistan: Abid Ali, Imran Butt, Azhar Ali, Babar Azam (c), Fawad Alam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Yasir Shah, Shaheen Afridi
South Africa: Dean Elgar, Aiden Markram, Rassie van der Dussen, Faf du Plessis, Quinton de Kock (c & wk), Temba Bavuma, Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, Anrich Nortje/Lungi Ngidi, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi/Lutho Sipamla
PAK vs SA 2nd Test Match Top Picks for Fsl 11 Prediction And Fantasy Cricket Tips:-
Babar Azam scored 705 runs in last 7 test matches at an average of 88. He will be must-have player pick for this entire tour due to his batting brilliance.
Yasir Ali will be a good pick from the spin department for this game as the game is in Pakistan. As he is too good on Pakistani surface, he will be a valuable addition to the team.
Dean Elgar scored 739 runs in last 10 games. He was in terrific form in the recently concluded series against Sri Lanka.
Kagiso Rabada bagged 26 wickets in last 7 games. The proteas bowling will heavily depend on his form.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test Match Captain and Vice-Captain Choices:
Captain – Babar Azam, Faf du Plessis
Vice-Captain – Dean Elgar, Azhar Ali
Suggested Playing XI for PAK vs SA 2nd Test Match Dream11 Team:
Keeper – Mohammad Rizwan
Batsmen – Babar Azam (c), Dean Elgar (vc), Azhar Ali, Fawad Alam, Aiden Markram.
All-rounders – Faheem Ashraf
Bowlers – Shaheen Afridi, Yasir Shah, Kagiso Rabada, Anrich Nortje
MATCH PREDICTION:
Pakistan seems to be in great form in terms of facing the South Africa. Adding a home field advantage dramatically increases Pakistan chances to take the series.
CONCLUSION:
South Africa had didnt played in Pakistani conditions could hamper their chances, and their players will have to adjust quickly to the conditions. Looking at the star-studded line-ups of the two teams, a fierce battle is expected between them.
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