The first Test between South Africa and Pakistan will take place on December 26 at SuperSport Park, Centurion. Following a 3-0 ODI series win over South Africa, Pakistan carries momentum into this match, which is critical for the World Test Championship standings. The match begins at 1:30 PM IST, with live coverage on Sports18 and streaming on JioCinema.
The much-anticipated Test series between South Africa and Pakistan is set to commence on December 26, at SuperSport Park in Centurion. Following a commanding 3-0 victory in the recent ODI series against South Africa, the Pakistani team approaches the first Test with momentum. This encounter is part of the World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, and the results will have significant implications for other teams, particularly India and Australia, who will also be playing their fourth Test on the same day.
Currently, South Africa leads the WTC standings and requires victories in their upcoming duels with Pakistan to secure a spot in the WTC final scheduled for next year at Lord’s. Pakistan, boasting a recent 2-1 victory over England in a home series, has a crucial opportunity to bolster India’s chances in the WTC race if they manage to triumph over South Africa.
Historically, South Africa holds a favorable record against Pakistan, with 15 victories compared to Pakistan’s 6 and 7 matches ending in draws. The lineups for the Test match feature notable players such as Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood and South Africa’s captain Temba Bavuma, among others. The match will commence at 1:30 PM IST, with live telecast available on Sports18 channels and live streaming accessible via the JioCinema app and website.
The cricketing rivalry between South Africa and Pakistan has witnessed numerous thrilling encounters. As members of the World Test Championship, both teams understand the implications of their performance in this Test series. The statistics show South Africa’s dominance historically in head-to-head matchups, but Pakistan’s recent form presents a compelling narrative of potentially reversing fortunes. The stakes are particularly high given the relevance of this series to India’s future in the WTC standings.
In summary, the opening Test match between South Africa and Pakistan on December 26 at SuperSport Park promises to be pivotal in influencing the World Test Championship standings. With both teams bringing form from recent series, the outcome will be significant, particularly for India’s aspirations. As the two teams prepare to clash, cricket enthusiasts can look forward to an exciting contest that reflects the highly competitive nature of the sport.
Original Source: www.livemint.com
