SA vs PAK: How have Pakistan performed in Boxing Day Tests in South Africa?

SA vs PAK: Pakistan have their task cut out as they are set to lock horns with South Africa in a two-match Test series, starting December 26 at the SuperSport Park in Centurion.

In Short

• Pakistan have never won a Boxing Day Test in South Africa
• Pakistan have lost 12 out of 15 Test in South Africa
• Pakistan will lock horns with the Proteas in a two-match Test series

After winning the ODI series 3-0, Pakistan are all set to take part in the two-match Test series against South Africa. The opening Test starts on Thursday, December 26, at the SuperSport Park in Centurion, while the Newlands in Cape Town will host the second Test from Friday, January 3.

Pakistan do not have a great record in Tests on South African soil, having won two matches, losing as many as 12, while one Test back in 1998 in Johannesburg was drawn. Going into the upcoming series, Pakistan have nothing to lose as they are out of contention for a berth in the World Test Championship final.

South Africa, on the other hand, have won five Tests in a row and are sitting on top of the table with a points percentage of 63.33 thanks to wins in six out of 10 Tests. As of now, three teams; South Africa, India and Australia are fighting for the spots as finalists in the WTC final.

Pakistan’s poor record in Boxing Day Tests

Pakistan have played two Boxing Day Tests thus far in South Africa and lost both of them. Back in 2002, Shaun Pollock’s Proteas beat Pakistan by 10 wickets at the Kingsmead in Durban. After being asked to bat first, South Africa put up a decent score of 368 on the board on the back of Jacques Kallis’ 105.

Then Nantie Hayward’s five-wicket haul helped the hosts take a lead of 207 runs. Pakistan were bowled out for 250 in their second innings, after which the Proteas chased down 45 in nine overs. Kallis won the Player of the Match award.

Back in 2018, the Proteas won their Boxing Day Test against Pakistan by six wickets. After opting to bat first, Pakistan could only manage 181 after Duanne Olivier took a six-wicket haul. South Africa took a crucial lead of 42 runs on the back of Temba Bavuma’s half-century. Mohammad Amir and Shaheen Shah Afridi picked up four wickets apiece.

Pakistan scored 190 in their second innings after Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood scored 57 and 65 respectively. Chasing 149, fifties from Dean Elgar and Hashim Amla took South Africa past the finish line in 50.4 overs.