18-year-old pacer to debut in SA vs Pak 2025 2nd Test in Cape Town

South Africa have announced their playing XI for the upcoming second Test against Pakistan in Cape Town, set to start on January 3. The Proteas have made three changes from the first Test in Centurion, which includes the selection of 18-year-old Kwena Maphaka.

The youngster replaces fellow pacer Dane Paterson in the team, having played three first-class games in his career so far. He recently made his ODI debut during the three-match series against Pakistan.

South Africa have already cemented their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final with a two-wicket win in the Boxing Day Test. Apart from Maphaka, they have made two more changes to the winning combination.

All-rounder Corbin Bosch, who made a serious impression on his debut with a wicket off his first ball and an unbeaten fifty, has been dropped for Wiaan Mulder. After playing the first Test without a frontline spinner, the Proteas have brought back Keshav Maharaj into the mix, with opening batter Tony de Zorzi being benched.

The left-handed batter scored only four runs in the first Test against Pakistan, and had a poor series against Sri Lanka as well at home. South Africa now have a new opening combination in Aiden Markram and Ryan Rickelton.

Markram put in a Player-of-the-Match display in Centurion, while Rickelton recently scored his maiden Test ton during the Sri Lanka series. The left-handed batter has never opened in Test cricket, primarily batting at No. 5 or below, with a recent promotion to No. 3.

South Africa playing XI for the second Test against Pakistan

Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma, David Bedingham, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka

South Africa's second Test against Pakistan at Cape Town concludes their WTC cycle

The Proteas' WTC cycle will come to an end with the second Test against Pakistan. A win will give them a 2-0 series win, and extend their lead at the top of the standings. A loss will affect their win percentage, but it poses no threat as neither Australia nor India can catch up to the side, with only one spot remaining for the final.

South Africa were blown away for 55 runs the last time they played at Newlands, Cape Town in January 2024. The hosts were handed a seven-wicket defeat by Team India inside two days to end the series at 1-1 on that occasion.