Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test Predictions & Tips - Pakistan have enough to claim series triumph

Pakistan showed in the last match that they thrive in home conditions, with their batting performance very impressive. Babar Azam looked sharp in the 1st Test and could cause the South African bowlers problems. I’m tipping Pakistan to claim another victory, with Azam doing the business with the bat.

South Africa have tasted victory in four of their previous six Test match clashes with Pakistan. During the first Test match of this series, Pakistan romped home by seven wickets in Karachi in what was an entertaining fixture.

Pakistan made a great start to this two-match Test series by beating South Africa in Karachi by seven wickets. 

After losing the toss, the hosts made light work of South Africa by bowling them out for 220 runs. Pakistan, however, struggled to get going with the bat, falling to 27-4, but Azhar Ali (51), Fawad Alam (109), and Faheem Ashraf (64) turned things around and helped Pakistan to 378 runs.

The 158-run put pressure on South Africa and they were dismissed for 245 runs, leaving the hosts with just 89 runs needed for victory.

Pakistan eased their way to the total with seven wickets in hand. Babar Azam looked solid as he scored 30 runs.

Conditions will impact team selection greatly in the 2nd Test. It is unlikely that any of the batsmen will be dropped despite the failings of the two openers in the 1st Test.

It is in the bowling department where things could get interesting. Yasir Shah is a shoe-in for the spin bowler. Nauman Ali was the hero of the 1st Test but his place in the side could come into doubt if the conditions are not as spin friendly.

South Africa will know they were far from good enough in the 1st Test.

Electing to bat first, South Africa stuttered to 220 runs after being 108-3. The Proteas had Pakistan reeling at 27-4, but a lack of a killer instinct saw South Africa throw that advantage away.

Pakistan's 158-run lead put huge pressure on South Africa, but they did their best to try and rescue proceedings. Aiden Markram (74) and Rassie van der Dussen (64) propelled the visitors to 175/1, but once one wicket fell, the South Africans crumbled. Pakistan required just 89 runs to win, and they did so with seven wickets remaining.

South Africa will be considering going with just one spinner but will need to see conditions first. Rawalpindi is the one pitch in Pakistan that normally favours the fast bowlers, however, there has been talk of it being dried out for this Test.

Another concern for South Africa is Dean Elgar. He was sent for x-rays after being hit on the arm whilst batting.

Should Elgar not be passed fit we could see a debut for Sarel Erwee at the top of the order.

Depending on conditions, Wiaan Mulder could come in for George Linde, but that call will only be made shortly before the start of play.