Live Score Update: Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 – Abdullah Shafique Misses Early Chance as Imam ul Haq Leads Strong Opening

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Live Score Update: Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test 2025 – Abdullah Shafique Misses Early Chance as Imam ul Haq Leads Strong Opening

The much-anticipated second Test match between Pakistan and South Africa is set to unfold, with a focus on critical performance metrics and player contributions. Following a close defeat by 93 runs in the first Test, South Africa seeks to bounce back in what is expected to be a challenging environment in Pakistan.

Key Highlights and Match Dynamics

Spin bowling has been highlighted as a major factor affecting South Africa’s performance. In the previous Test, Pakistan’s spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, significantly troubled the South African batting lineup, a trend expected to continue.

Player Performances

  • In the first Test, South African batsman Tony de Zorzi scored a century.
  • Ryan Rickleton and Dewald Brevis contributed fifties, showcasing their potential.
  • However, individual scores may not suffice for victory; cohesive team performance is vital.

Pakistan’s batting, while promising with early fifties from players like Imam ul Haq and Shan Masood, faltered in the second innings. This inconsistency creates uncertainty for the team’s approach in the upcoming match.

Pitch Conditions and Toss Impact

The pitch for the second Test is anticipated to be a “rank turner,” challenging for batsmen as the game progresses. Spinners may even bowl with the new ball, which could heavily influence match outcomes. The toss, scheduled for 10:00 AM IST, will likely play a crucial role in determining the batting team’s advantage.

Team Lineups

Here are the squads for both teams:

Pakistan Squad South Africa Squad
Abdullah Shafique Aiden Markram (c)
Imam-ul-Haq Ryan Rickelton
Shan Masood (c) Wiaan Mulder
Babar Azam Tony de Zorzi
Saud Shakeel Tristan Stubbs
Mohammad Rizwan (w) Dewald Brevis
Salman Agha Kyle Verreynne (w)
Shaheen Afridi Senuran Muthusamy
Noman Ali Simon Harmer
Sajid Khan Prenelan Subrayen
Hasan Ali Kagiso Rabada
Abrar Ahmed David Bedingham
Khurram Shahzad Corbin Bosch
Kamran Ghulam Marco Jansen
Rohail Nazir Zubayr Hamza
Asif Afridi Keshav Maharaj

As both teams prepare for this crucial encounter, the ability to adapt to the pitch and deliver under pressure will be key. Fans can expect an exciting match as Pakistan and South Africa face off in the second Test of 2025.