Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025: Match Analysis, Predictions & Key Insights

The Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 at Rawalpindi is set to decide more than just a series. Pakistan leads 1-0 after a thrilling 93-run win in Lahore, where spinners ruled and bowlers made every run count. Now, all eyes shift to Rawalpindi, where bounce and seam may bring a new challenge. 

Can South Africa bounce back, or will Pakistan seal the series? Let’s break down every detail, prediction, and player battle for the second Test.

Recap That Sets the Tone

Pakistan’s victory in the 1st Test came through sheer grit. Noman Ali was the hero, claiming 10 wickets in the match, while Salman Agha and Imam-ul-Haq both scored 93 runs to give Pakistan a solid stand in the test. South Africa showed fight through Tony de Zorzi’s 104 and Ryan Rickelton’s 71 in the 1st innings, but their batting collapsed under spin pressure in the 2nd innings.

The story of the first Test was clear: spin dominated. Pakistan’s slow bowlers took 13 of the 20 South African wickets, while Senuran Muthusamy’s 11 wickets in the match almost turned the game around. With Rawalpindi offering a more balanced pitch, this contest could shift gears fast.

Conditions and Venue Analysis

The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium usually offers something for everyone. Here, spinners can be a game changer, similar to test 1. However, mild weather and dry afternoons can help both seam and spin, making the toss crucial.

Teams batting first here often post big totals, but cracks on days four and five can trouble batters. Pakistan’s mix of Shaheen Shah Afridi’s pace and Noman Ali’s control gives them an edge, while South Africa’s Rabada-Muthusamy pairing will try to match that balance.

Pakistan’s Form Heading Into the 2nd Test

Pakistan looked sharp in Lahore. Their bowling unit clicked, their fielding held up under pressure, and they executed plans perfectly. Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi combined for 14 wickets in the match, proving that both spin and pace are firing together.

Batting, however, needs stability. The middle order collapsed twice in the first Test, with Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique struggling to convert starts. Mohammad Rizwan and Saud Shakeel, two of Pakistan’s most consistent run-getters recently, have now become key players for Rawalpindi.

If these two anchor the innings, Pakistan can build the foundation for another series-clinching win.

South Africa’s Battle Plan

South Africa fought hard in Lahore but couldn’t resist Pakistan’s spin web. Yet, there were positives. Tony de Zorzi showed class with his hundred, and Ryan Rickelton looked in rhythm. The team’s problem was handling spin in both innings.

In Rawalpindi, they’ll expect more from their allrounders, especially Wiaan Mulder and Senuran Muthusamy, both crucial with bat and ball. 

South Africa’s comeback chances rest heavily on how their top five adapt to spin and how Rabada leads the bowling attack on a track that may not offer him much movement after the first session.

Pakistan’s Predicted XI for 2nd Test

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

This lineup provides balance, a strong top order, an experienced middle, and an allround spin attack. Pakistan is unlikely to make changes after a winning combination, but they might test Asif Afridi or Abrar Ahmed if the pitch looks dry.

South Africa’s Predicted XI for 2nd Test

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

South Africa’s main change could be bringing Keshav Maharaj into the XI to strengthen their spin department. His control and economy rate could pair well with Muthusamy and Harmer.

Tactical Focus: What Both Teams Must Do

Pakistan’s Game Plan

• Bat first and use the dry surface advantage.
• Rely on spinners to control the middle overs.
• Avoid collapses after strong starts.
• Keep pressure through Shaheen’s new-ball spells.

South Africa’s Game Plan

• Play Noman Ali and Sajid Khan with soft hands.
• Extend partnerships beyond 60+ runs to wear down spinners.
• Use Rabada and Jansen aggressively with the new ball.
• Rotate strike better to neutralize turn.

Both sides understand how vital the first innings will be. The team that crosses 350 first is likely to dictate the game.

Predictions: What to Expect in Rawalpindi

Based on the first Test’s flow, Pakistan holds the momentum. Their bowlers have adapted well to home conditions, and their spinners look in unstoppable rhythm. However, Rawalpindi may favor pacers for the first two days, which gives South Africa a window to fight back.

If South Africa bats first, their top order must convert starts into centuries. De Zorzi, Rickelton, and Mulder are key. For Pakistan, Babar Azam and Rizwan must find form to prevent middle-order collapses.

Predicted Outcome: Pakistan slightly ahead due to home advantage and balanced attack.
Predicted Match Result: Pakistan to win by 5–7 wickets or an innings victory if South Africa falters against spin again.

ICC World Test Championship Impact

Before the second Test, Pakistan leads the table with 12 points and a 100% win rate, while South Africa sits at the bottom. A win for Pakistan will strengthen their WTC 2025–26 campaign and keep them in the top two.

Team	Matches	Wins	Losses	Points	PCT
Pakistan	1	1	0	12	100.00
South Africa	1	0	1	0	0.00

A draw or loss will drop Pakistan’s percentage and open the door for teams like India and Australia. For South Africa, this match is more than pride, it’s a must-win to stay alive in the Championship race.

Player Battles That Could Define the Match

1. Babar Azam vs Kagiso Rabada – Power vs precision.
2. Noman Ali vs Tony de Zorzi – Spin vs patience.
3. Shaheen Afridi vs Dewald Brevis – Swing vs aggression.
4. Senuran Muthusamy vs Mohammad Rizwan – Allround brilliance vs resilience.

These matchups will keep fans glued from the first ball to the last.

What Fans Can Expect

Expect an intense, evenly matched Test with shifting momentum. Pakistan’s confidence is high, but South Africa’s hunger to level the series could make this a classic. Spin will still play a big part, but don’t be surprised if the pacers steal early headlines.

Every run, every spell, every session will matter. With both teams eyeing World Test Championship points, the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 promises drama, discipline, and world-class cricket.

Watch Live on tapmad

Catch every moment of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 live on tapmad. Watch top-class cricket action from Rawalpindi as Pakistan looks to seal the series and South Africa fights for a comeback. Experience live coverage, expert analysis, and match highlights, all in one place. Stay updated with every wicket, boundary, and turning point right from your screen. Don’t miss the thrill, drama, and passion of Test cricket. Stream the entire match live on tapmad.

Conclusion

The 1st Test set the tone, but Rawalpindi will test character. Pakistan aims for a clean sweep, while South Africa fights to restore pride. With both sides evenly matched on paper, adaptability will decide who celebrates.

If Pakistan’s spinners continue their dominance, the series might end 2-0. But if South Africa learns fast and their top order clicks, we could see a thrilling comeback. One thing is certain: the Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 will be a match fans won’t forget anytime soon.