South Africa will step into the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 20 with redemption on their minds as they look to square the two-match Test series against Pakistan. The visitors endured a tough defeat in Lahore , losing by 93 runs in a tense fourth-innings chase that exposed both technical flaws and temperament under spin pressure. Aiden Markram’s men now face a must-win situation to salvage pride and avoid a rare series sweep in Asia.
Pakistan, buoyed by their clinical all-round performance, will be eager to maintain their unbeaten home record since 2021. With Rawalpindi expected to produce another spin-friendly surface, both captains will be mindful of the importance of early control in the first two days. South Africa are likely to welcome back Keshav Maharaj, who has recovered from a groin strain, offering much-needed balance and variety to the bowling attack. His partnership with Simon Harmer could prove decisive against a strong Pakistan middle order.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Pitch Report
The Rawalpindi pitch has earned a reputation for being deceptive, flat to begin with, but increasingly challenging as the days progress. Batters can expect true bounce and good value for their shots early on, but cracks are likely to appear as the Test unfolds, bringing spinners into the game from Day 1 itself. The track traditionally aids slow bowlers and rewards patience, meaning that shot selection and footwork against spin will be key. Seamers, particularly with the new ball, could still find movement under the morning sun, but once the shine wears off, the match will drift toward the spinners’ domain.
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium Test Stats and Records
- Total matches: 12
- Matches won batting first: 3
- Matches won bowling first: 9
- Average 1st innings scores: 336
- Average 2nd innings scores: 399
- Average 3rd innings scores: 231
- Average 4th innings scores: 151
- Highest total recorded: 657/10 (101 Ov) by England vs Pakistan
- Lowest total recorded: 112/10 (37.2 Ov) by England vs Pakistan
- Highest score chased: 220/8 (83.5 Ov) by Sri Lanka vs Pakistan
- Lowest score defended: 187/10(62.2 Ov) by Zimbabwe vs Pakistan
