After a comprehensive victory in Lahore, Pakistan heads to Rawalpindi brimming with confidence and ahead 1–0 in the Test series. The South Africans are battered but not broken and face one last instinct to draw the series and protect some pride. The Rawalpindi pitch will present balance and quick bounce for the pace attack, aging spin for the spinners, and enough runs for patient batsmen. Essentially, the scene is set for five days of riveting, entertaining red-ball cricket. As hosts, Pakistan, under Shan Masood, would know that a series win would represent not only a series clean sweep but also important points toward the World Test Championship table. Aiden Markram will also teach the South Africans that they need to be customer-focused and provide resistance. 

The first Test in Lahore was a great showcase of Pakistan's adaptability and the struggles South Africa has had on subcontinental pitches. Noman Ali took 10 wickets for the match, and Salman Agha's calm 93 put Pakistan way out in front.

Tony de Zorzi of South Africa produced a fine century, and Ryan Rickelton contributed important runs, but the rest of the batting order fell away under consistent pressure from the spinners. Ultimately, Pakistan took a 93-run victory and prepared the stage for a potential series whitewash to finish 2-0.

Pakistan's strength is the fact that they can dominate on home ground. The spinners are spearheaded by Noman Ali and Sajid Khan and were almost unplayable in Lahore. With a pace attack led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who could swing it and bowl with pace and aggression, they have a pace attack that can be effective in all conditions. The batting is also formidable. Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, and Babar Azam will provide the solid backbone, and then there are Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, who can add to the middle order. Expect Salman Agha to play a key all-round role—further important runs down the order and to pick up wickets at key times.

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali/Abrar Ahmed

Pakistan will be looking to bat first and put 400+ on the board and let their spinners just grind South Africa into submission.

For South Africa, this test is about character. They were competitive at times, without the winning moments. Now their batters must try to find answers to Pakistan’s spin trap.

On the one hand, Tony de Zorzi’s 104 was a rare highlight. And on the other hand, Senuran Muthusamy’s 10 wickets suggest South African spinners can also have success here. Captain Aiden Markram will expect more fight from his top order. Dewald Brevis’s maiden fifty suggests he has a bright future and if his senior pros support him, he could be one again.

Aiden Markram (c), Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton (wk), Dewald Brevis, David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Keshav Maharaj, Simon Harmer, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen.

South Africa has to adapt quickly by using the crease better, playing with soft hands, and focusing on building those long partnerships if they want to have a chance. 

Pakistan’s Game Plan

• Win the toss and bat early on a dry surface.

• Start with Shaheen to take advantage of new-ball movement.

• Bring Noman and Sajid into the attack to strangle the middle overs.

• Babar and Rizwan are there to take the time and let them hit big and anchor partnerships.

South Africa's Counter-Plan

• Play late and straight to nullify spin.

• Early on, Rabada and Jansen bowl at aggressive lengths in the first 10 overs.

• Let de Zorzi and Rickelton continue to build a stable first-innings platform.

• Finally, focus on fielding and catching with a single drop can swing the game. 

The pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium has been known for balance and to be initially batting friendly, but cracks might emerge on Day 3. The average first-inning score on this surface is around 336.

Historically, the team batting first has won more matches played here, so it's a good idea to strongly consider what you do at the toss.

• Last 5 Tests - Pakistan- 3 wins | South Africa- 2 wins 

• Factors at Venue - Rawalpindi, 2022-2024

  • 1st Innings Average score of 424

  • 2nd innings- 441

  • 3rd innings—189

  • 4th inning – 130

So clearly this indicates that batting becomes increasingly difficult as the game progresses, and it truly reinforces the philosophy of 'bat first.'

These matchups will have a huge impact on the tempo of the match.

Pakistan enters Rawalpindi with momentum, confidence, and the advantage of playing at home. The spinners of the opposing team are performing at a high level, and the batting line-up seems to be quite comfortable with the local conditions. For the South Africans, the situation is really tough, not least because of the Pakistani spinners, and if they want to have a practical opportunity to win, they must quickly adapt.

• Predicted Result: Pakistan wins by innings or 6-7 wickets.

If Pakistan wins 2-0, Pakistan leads the WTC standings and solidifies their path to the WTC final.

The 2nd Test 2025 between Pakistan and South Africa will take place at Rawalpindi, and it will guarantee five days of first-rate Test cricket: all strategy, patience, and pride. The goal of Pakistan is very clear: to end the match with a win and to establish their control at home. The pursuit of South Africa, on the other hand, is just as simple: they will fight vigorously till the very last ball is bowled.