Proudpakistaniguy
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Pakistan's tour of South Africa kicks off from today, with the first Test to be played at the iconic SuperSport park in Centurion. The tour will begin with three Tests followed by five ODIs and three T20Is, lasting all the way until February.
When it comes to the head to head record in Test matches played in South Africa, these two teams have clashed against each other on 12 occasions in which South Africa have managed to win nine Tests and lose two
South Africa start off as favourites considering their home advantage and the stability they possess in their squad. On the other hand, Pakistan are coming off a series loss at home against New Zealand and will start as the underdogs.
Just like any other Asian team, Pakistan are yet to win a Test series in South Africa. And this tour presents an ideal opportunity for Sarfraz Ahmed and his men to create history.
Pakistan's batting is their primary concern. With the likes of Dale Steyn returning to the national team, the visitors' batsmen would have an uphill task of facing the pace duo of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.
"Every time a subcontinent team comes down to South Africa, they look down at the wicket and they're not familiar with these conditions," Steyn said. "They look at the wicket and there's a bit of grass and you feel they're two down already. It's definitely not Dubai. I'm the guy that's going to do that. I'm the guy with the brand-new ball in my hand. So it's advantage fast bowler at the end of the day.
"So I look forward to playing against Pakistan, and I've done well against them in the past. I've got fond memories of the Wanderers too, where I got 6 for 8. I go through that stuff in my mind to try and boost myself up. But you've got to wait till game day to see how this goes.
When it comes to the head to head record in Test matches played in South Africa, these two teams have clashed against each other on 12 occasions in which South Africa have managed to win nine Tests and lose two
South Africa start off as favourites considering their home advantage and the stability they possess in their squad. On the other hand, Pakistan are coming off a series loss at home against New Zealand and will start as the underdogs.
Just like any other Asian team, Pakistan are yet to win a Test series in South Africa. And this tour presents an ideal opportunity for Sarfraz Ahmed and his men to create history.
Pakistan's batting is their primary concern. With the likes of Dale Steyn returning to the national team, the visitors' batsmen would have an uphill task of facing the pace duo of Dale Steyn and Kagiso Rabada.
Dale Steyn isn't too disappointed that Mohammad Hafeez, whom he dismissed 15 times in international cricket, has retired from Tests
"No, I've got him out enough times. He's a fantastic player and we had a great rivalry. I hope he enjoys his time off."
"No, I've got him out enough times. He's a fantastic player and we had a great rivalry. I hope he enjoys his time off."
"Every time a subcontinent team comes down to South Africa, they look down at the wicket and they're not familiar with these conditions," Steyn said. "They look at the wicket and there's a bit of grass and you feel they're two down already. It's definitely not Dubai. I'm the guy that's going to do that. I'm the guy with the brand-new ball in my hand. So it's advantage fast bowler at the end of the day.
"So I look forward to playing against Pakistan, and I've done well against them in the past. I've got fond memories of the Wanderers too, where I got 6 for 8. I go through that stuff in my mind to try and boost myself up. But you've got to wait till game day to see how this goes.