The second Test between Pakistan and South Africa is scheduled to start in Rawalpindi on Friday, October 20, with Pakistan holding a 1-0 advantage after their victory in Lahore. The hosts are confident of securing the series win on home soil.
Attention now turns to the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch. Reports suggest that this surface is likely to be dry and abrasive, offering considerable assistance to spinners from the very beginning of the match. This contrasts with the conditions in Lahore, which were more conducive to batting. In previous Test matches at Rawalpindi, spin bowling has been a dominant force. Teams winning the toss are expected to bat first, as runs accumulated on the opening days are likely to be crucial. South Africa, aiming to level the series, will need their batters to perform significantly better. They must find a way to cope with the Pakistani spinners, Sajid Khan and Noman Ali, on a pitch that is expected to deteriorate. The possible inclusion of Keshav Maharaj could strengthen South Africa’s spin options, but the primary responsibility will lie with the batters to adapt and score runs.