• Home
  • Cricket
  • Test Match Cricket
timer

This preview has expired.

See all our latest betting tips or suggested betting sites

left arrow right arrow

South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test Predictions - Bavuma can inspire South Africa to victory

Simon Lewis
Editor
Last updated: 24 Dec 2024

South Africa's Test squad is in stellar form, poised for a spot in the World Test Championship final. Victories in their last six Tests, including a recent series win against Sri Lanka, enhance their confidence. Despite losing the ODI series to Pakistan, they are hopeful, with Temba Bavuma in impressive batting form. Pakistan returns with key player Babar Azam, hoping for success despite mixed away Test performances. The competitive pitch conditions in Pretoria will be a test for Pakistan's batsmen, making the encounter an exciting watch.

Share
Simon Lewis 24 Dec 2024
Share this article
Or copy link
success image
Copy
  • South Africa has won their last 6 Test matches.
  • Temba Bavuma continues his impressive form with 50+ scores.
  • Pakistan struggles in overseas Tests but beat South Africa in their last two encounters.
Expired
Temba Bavuma Test cricket vs Sri Lanka
Temba Bavuma has scored 50+ in his last 4 Test innings (Getty Images)

South Africa vs Pakistan Preview


South Africa's Test form has been sublime of late and they are now chasing a spot in the World Test Championship final. Victory here will secure that spot.
  • South Africa vs Pakistan Preview
  • Head to Head
  • South Africa Form
  • South Africa Injuries & Team News
  • Pakistan Form
  • Pakistan Injuries & Team News

  • South Africa have won their last 6 Test matches.
  • South Africa’s Temba Bavuma has scored 50+ runs in his last 4 Test innings.
  • Pakistan have struggled in Tests away from home.
  • Pakistan won their last 2 Test matches against South Africa.
  • Pakistan’s Babar Azam scored 50+ runs in the last 2 ODIs against South Africa.

Head to Head


In the last five Test matches between these two sides, South Africa have won three and Pakistan two. However, Pakistan won the two most recent games, both of which were played at home in 2021.

South Africa Form


South Africa will be confident coming into the Test series but after losing the ODI series 3-0, there may be some doubts. That said, the Proteas are on the brink of qualifying for the World Test Championship final and victory here will secure that spot.

South Africa recently beat Sri Lanka 2-0 in a home Test series, so they do have some momentum in the longest format. In the final Test of that series, Temba Bavuma’s side won by 109 runs.

Centuries in the first innings by Ryan Rickelton and Kyle Verreynne set up a score of 358 where most other batsmen failed. Sri Lanka responded with 328 before the hosts went on to score 317, setting the visitors a total of 348 to win.

In that second innings, Aiden Markram found some form with 55 runs while Temba Bavuma top scored with 66.

South Africa dismissed Sri Lanka for 238 runs on the final day.

South Africa Injuries & Team News


I don’t foresee too many changes to the South African side from the final Test against Sri Lanka. Young players Kwena Maphaka and Corbin Bosch will likely have to wait their turn.

Pakistan Form


Pakistan’s Test form has not been great over the last 24 months, but they did manage to beat England 2-1 in their last series at home. After losing the first Test, Pakistan won the second and third to claim a series victory.

After bowling England out for 267 in the third Test, Pakistan went on to score 344 with Saud Shakeel top scoring with a magnificent 124 runs. The bowlers dismantled England for 112 before chasing 36 to win the game by nine wickets.

Coming to South Africa, the batsmen are likely going to have to work much harder for their runs. Pretoria often has plenty of pace in the pitch which could challenge the Pakistan batsmen.

Pakistan Injuries & Team News


Babar Azam returns to the Test fold in a massive boost for Pakistan. His form hasn’t been great but he has performed in South Africa before, so could hold the key.

Verdict

South Africa are backed for victory with Temba Bavuma set to score 50+ in the first innings.

For Pakistan, the return of Babar Azam should be a massive boost.

Best Bet1: South Africa Win Result @1,80 at TicTacBets - 5 Units
Best Bet2: Temba Bavuma To score 50+ Runs in 1st Innings @2,50 at Sportingbet - 2 Units
Best Bet3: Babar Azam Best Pakistan 1st Innings Batsman @3,50 at Easybet - 1 Unit
Best Bet4: Temba Bavuma Best South Africa 1st Innings Batsman @4,00 at 10bet - 1 Unit
South Africa Win
Result
@1,80 - 5 Units
100% up to R5,000 + 50 spins
Use promo code NEWBONUS

Register using the code NEWBONUS to claim the best bonus on Tic Tac Sports Betting. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at TicTacBets
Temba Bavuma
To score 50+ Runs in 1st Innings
@2,50 - 2 Units
Get up to R15,000 + 50 spins
100% First Deposit Bonus

Earn up to R15,000 in bonus funds PLUS 50 Free Spins when you first deposit. To get started, register and make your First Deposit *Min R10 and get 100% free up to R15,000 paid out as cash in 10 equal parts as you meet the wagering requirements. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Sportingbet
Babar Azam
Best Pakistan 1st Innings Batsman
@3,50 - 1 Unit
Free R50 + R5500 + 25 Spins
use promo code NEWBONUS

The Easybet promo code is NEWBONUS. 18+. T&Cs apply.

Bet at Easybet
Temba Bavuma
Best South Africa 1st Innings Batsman
@4,00 - 1 Unit
Get 100% up to R5 000
for your first deposit

Make your first deposit and get 100% up to R5,000 Bonus to bet on sports or games. New customers only. 18+ T&Cs and wagering requirements apply. To activate the bonus, select it from the cashier.

Bet at 10bet
Simon Lewis

Sports Editor • 20+ years betting experience

Read More

Top Betting Sites

special-offer-1Betting offers

UpcomingEvents

22 September 2026

  • Japan vs India T20 -
  • Cricket
  • England vs Sri Lanka 1st ODI -
  • Cricket

01 October 2027

  • 2027 Rugby Union World Cup -
  • Rugby Union

13 November 2027

  • 2027 Rugby World Cup Fixtures -
  • Rugby Union
Load More
26 Dec 2024

South Africa v Pakistan 1st Test

Copyright © 2026 All Rights Reserved. Reproduction in whole or in part in any form or medium without express written permission is prohibited. Players must be 18 or over and located in jurisdictions where online gambling is legal. Please play responsibly. Bet with your head, not over it. Know when to Stop. Gamble responsibly and Think about your choices. If you or someone you know has a gambling problem, and wants help, call or visit: gamcare.org.uk (UK), 800gambler.org (US), or gamblinghelponline.org.au (Australia). Gambling is addictive 18+. #Ads © 2026 bets.co.za
Hear more from bets.co.za