Cape Town (Web Desk): In a crucial showdown at Newlands, South Africa won the toss and decided to set the tone by batting first in what promises to be a decisive Test match against Pakistan.
With the series hanging in the balance and Proteas aiming for a 2-0 sweep, they’ve opted for a bold lineup.
The biggest talking point is the inclusion of Kwena Maphaka, the 18-year-old fast bowler who is making his debut in international cricket. His meteoric rise has earned him a spot in the starting eleven, and he will go down in history as the youngest player to don the Proteas Test cap, taking over the mantle once held by Paul Adams.
South Africa are also adapting to injuries, with Tony de Zorzi, who had been a fixture at the top of the order, ruled out due to a thigh strain. In his place comes Wiaan Mulder, the versatile all-rounder, who will step into the number three position.
Ryan Rickelton will be tasked with opening the innings alongside his new partner, as the team reshuffles to cover for the gap left by de Zorzi’s absence.
On the bowling front, Keshav Maharaj has been declared fit after recovering from his injury and will replace seamer Corbin Bosch, adding a much-needed spin option to the mix.
Pakistan, on the other hand, have opted for a single change, with seamer Mir Hamza coming in for Naseem Shah, strengthening their pace attack for what could be a challenging day in Cape Town.
This match holds significance beyond the series, as South Africa have already locked in their spot in the World Test Championship final, which will take place at Lord’s later this year. For them, this is their final chance to fine-tune their squad before heading to one of the biggest stages in the game.
Teams
South Africa: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (Capt), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, 1Kagiso 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
