South Africa are looking for a ruthless advantage over Pakistan in the second Test

Cape Town: South Africa have already sealed their place in the final of this year’s World Test Championship (WTC) ahead of the second and final Test against Pakistan at Newlands on Friday, but will be looking to keep their momentum going for the longest time.

South Africa beat Pakistan by two wickets in a tense first Test in Pretoria and have won their last six red-ball matches in a row, their joint best run since a team won nine in a row in 2002 and 2003.

That form took them to the WTC final at Lord’s in June, but questions surrounding their fragile line-up will be a major focus on what has recently been a dangerous pitch at Newlands.

The previous Test there against India 12 months ago lasted just 107 overs as the visitors won by seven wickets in two days, the shortest Test to have a winner in history.

The wicket should be better this time, but on a pitch that has been a fortress for the hosts, they have lost two of the last three Tests in Cape Town.

“We were certainly not clinical or ruthless when given the opportunity or the situation,” South Africa captain Temba Bavuma said. “But I think what we’ve done is we’ve found ways to make sure the outcome is in our favor.

“If I look at our group, we don’t have a batting average of 45 or more. We’re all in our mid-30s, late 30s, which shows that at some point the guys will contribute to the team. .”

Pakistan will rue not closing out the first Test, having reduced South Africa to 99-8 chasing 148 on a tough wicket at Centurion Park, only for all-rounder Marco Jansen and fast bowler Kagiso Rabada to guide the hosts to victory.

Pakistan captain Shan Masood also spoke about the need for his side to be more ruthless when on top, both with the bat and the ball.

“We keep making the same mistakes but we have to get over the line and seize moments,” he said. “There are times when you have that extra cushion and we have to finish the innings. We have to finish the batting and bowling well.”

Pakistan have won just two of the previous 16 Tests in South Africa and none since 2007. They have lost all four previous visits to Cape Town.

There are likely to be a number of holidays and they should enjoy the occasion with a sparse calendar at home over the next 18 months.

Under the ICC’s Future Tours Programme, as it stands today, this will be the last Test for South Africa until they visit Australia in September 2026 and the only international home in all three formats in 2025.