Predicting South Africa’s playing XI for their one-off Test against Pakistan

South Africa and Pakistan will be taking on each other in the Boxing Day Test match at Supersport Park cricket stadium. It will be a one-off Test match whose result will directly impact the finalists of the WTC Final 2025. South Africa has a good chance of making it to the final by winning the home Test. They have everything it takes to be the winning side against the visiting Pakistani side.

The Asian side has had good results in away tours in the last few months. However, they have come in ODIs. They need to show how good they are in Tests by winning the one-off Test. It is a challenge in itself, as SA seem to be well-grounded in all aspects of the game. The home side has even announced it’s playing XI for the Test. They will start the match as firm favourites to win given the home support.

Here’s the predicted playing XI of South Africa for the one-off Test against Pakistan.

Top Order – Tony De Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickleton

The top order is South Africa’s weakest link in Tests. Tony De Zorzi and Aiden Markram have not had a good time in the longest format of the game for a long time. Ryan Rickleton did well in the series against Sri Lanka. But Pakistan will have a better bowling lineup. The top 3 will have a tough challenge yet again. If they step up, it’s very difficult to beat the home side.

Middle Order – Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), and David Beddingham

The middle order of South Africa is robust. They have Tristan Stubbs at number 4 who has improved in his defense front. Temba Bavuma at number 5 has been the home side’s best batter in the home leg. He has also led SA well so far. To follow him would be David Beddingham who has arguably been SA’s best Test batter since his debut.

Lower Middle Order – Kyle Verreynne (WK) and Marco Jansen

In the lower middle order, SA will have their WK batter and All-rounder. Kyle Verreynne has been doing his job without getting enough attention. He is one of the best wicketkeepers in the world and can nail out his team in tough situations. Marco Jansen is someone who can bat well with the tail. As a bowler, he is likely to operate with the new ball.

Bowlers – Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch

The South African bowling attack will have the likes of Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch. Rabada is one of the best bowlers in the world and will be the leader of the attack. Alongside him, the home side will have Paterson who did well in the last few series. Corbin Bosch is set to make his debut. Corbin is a bowler to watch out for, as not many are aware of what he can bring to the table.

South Africa’s playing XI for the first Test against Pakistan –

Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, Corbin Bosch.

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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