Pakistan likely to make one change for second South Africa Test

The second and final Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on Friday at Newlands, Cape Town.

After a narrow two-wicket loss in the first Test at SuperSport Park, Centurion, Pakistan is expected to make one change to their playing XI for the upcoming match.

Left-arm fast bowler Mir Hamza is set to replace right-arm pacer Aamer Jamal in the squad. Jamal, who hails from Mianwali, played a key role in Pakistan’s efforts during the first innings of the Centurion Test, taking the wickets of South African captain Temba Bavuma and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada.

However, Jamal came under scrutiny for his limited contribution in the second innings, bowling only one over, which has led to suggestions that Pakistan’s team management may bring in Hamza for the second Test.

Despite the pitch at Newlands traditionally favoring spinners, Pakistan is unlikely to include any in their starting lineup. Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali, who impressed with 20 wickets at an average of 13.85 during Pakistan’s Test series against England in October 2024, is expected to miss out.

Instead, Pakistan is likely to rely on all-rounder Agha Salman as their sole spinner. Salman has taken 16 wickets at an average of 58.75 across 18 Test matches.

The upcoming Test is also significant as South Africa’s victory in the first match ensured their qualification for the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25 final.

In the opening Test, South Africa’s tailenders Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen defied Pakistan’s comeback with a match-winning 51-run partnership. After a precarious position of 99/6 following a brilliant six-wicket haul by Pakistan’s Abbas, the South African duo steadied the ship.