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South Africa Opt to Bat First as Kwena Maphaka Makes Historic Test Debut
By Bhanwar Lal
South Africa has started their Test series against Pakistan on a positive note, winning the toss and opting to bat first at Newlands, Cape Town. This match carries particular excitement as 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka makes his Test debut, becoming the youngest South African to achieve this milestone.
Despite having already secured a place in the World Test Championship final, South Africa is determined to maintain their dominance over Pakistan in Tests. The Newlands pitch, often favorable for batting during the initial days, is under scrutiny after being rated unsatisfactory last year due to excessive seam movement and unpredictable bounce.
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South Africa Opt to Bat First as Kwena Maphaka Makes Historic Test Debut |
Team Updates:
South Africa:
The Proteas have made three changes to their lineup. Experienced players Keshav Maharaj and Wiaan Mulder return to the XI, while Maphaka’s inclusion brings excitement and pace to their bowling attack. Corbin Bosch and Dane Paterson miss out, and Tony de Zorzi is sidelined due to a left thigh strain. Ryan Rickelton has been promoted to open alongside Aiden Markram, and Wiaan Mulder has shifted up the order to bat at No. 3.
Pakistan:
Pakistan, on the other hand, has opted for a pace-heavy attack, excluding a specialist spinner. Salman Agha and part-timer Saim Ayub will handle the spin duties. Their sole change is Mir Hamza replacing Naseem Shah, who is nursing a stiff back.
Match Atmosphere:
With sellout crowds for the first two days, the atmosphere at Newlands is electric. Fans are rallying behind the Proteas, celebrating their qualification for the World Test Championship final.
Playing XIs:
South Africa: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.
Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Aamer Jamal, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Abbas, Mir Hamza.
Stay tuned for updates as this thrilling contest unfolds at Newlands.
