3 changes Pakistan can make to win the 2nd test against South Africa

After facing a narrow 2-wicket defeat in the first Test of the two-match series, Pakistan will take on South Africa in the second and last Test of the series at the Newlands in Cape Town on January 3. The game will be an all-important and a must-win fixture for the tourists to end the series on an equal note with a 1-1 scoreline. 

It will also require Pakistan to improve and learn from their errors in the Test series opener at the SuperSport Park in Centurion. It included a lot of mistakes in the decision-making and in the application of some strategies as well. 

The three changes Pakistan can make to win the 2nd Test against the Proteas in Cape Town:

Abdullah Shafique in opening with Shan Masood 

Pakistan didn’t get an opening stand of even a 50+ score in both the innings of the first Test. The opening pair of skipper Shan Masood and young batter Saim Ayub stitched a partnership of 36 runs for the first wicket in the first innings followed by a 49-run stand in the second innings. 

So, the current situation and the demand of the format require Pakistan to include the Test specialist batter Abdullah Shafique in the playing XI as an opener. However, the batter failed drastically in the three-match ODI series against SA but it is the format which suits him and he could deliver his best for Pakistan. 

Promote Salman Agha to number 5 or 6

Another change Pakistan should look ahead to execute in the second Test is a bit of shuffle in their middle-order batting lineup. The in-form batter Salman Agha came to bat at number 7 in both the innings of the Centurion Test and he failed to deliver with the bat in both the innings, scoring only 18 and 1 run, respectively. 

So, the management should look ahead to promote Agha a spot or two up in the middle order to get the best out of him in the best interest of Pakistan. Notably, the batter had displayed his brilliant form in the ODI series against the hosts. 

Attacking Strategy against the tailenders 

One of the major errors that happened to cost Pakistan a win in the previous Test against Temba Bavuma’s men was a failure to dismiss the tailenders or the lower-order batters. Notably, Shan Masood’s men had claimed 8 wickets of the South African side when the hosts were chasing the target of 148 runs. But the lower-order pair of Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada left Pakistan bowlers frustrated and stitched a match-winning partnership of 51 runs to win the game for South Africa. 

So, it should be a top priority of tourists in the second Test to change their bowling approach against the tailenders, especially while defending a target in the second innings. They should look ahead to come up with an attacking approach against the tailenders to dismiss them as early as possible.

Disclaimer: This exclusive news is based on the author’s insights, analysis, and intuition. While reviewing this information, consider the points discussed and form your own conclusions.

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