CAPE TOWN: Cricket South Africa (CSA) announced its Playing XI on Thursday for the second Test against Pakistan, which will commence on January 3 at Newlands.

The Proteas enter the match with a 1-0 lead in the two-match series after securing a nail-biting two-wicket victory in the first Test at Centurion. The win also confirmed South Africa’s place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, scheduled for June.

South Africa made three changes to their lineup, bringing in Wiaan Mulder, Keshav Maharaj, and uncapped pacer Kwena Maphaka. These players replace Tony de Zorzi, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Paterson in the squad.

Notably, Bosch, who debuted in the Centurion Test in place of the injured Maharaj, made significant contributions with both bat and ball to secure South Africa’s win. Meanwhile, Paterson stood out with a five-wicket haul in the first innings.

In the updated XI, Ryan Rickelton will open the batting alongside Aiden Markram, taking De Zorzi’s spot, while Mulder bolsters the top order. The middle order consists of skipper Temba Bavuma, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, and wicketkeeper Kyle Verreynne.

The bowling unit features Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, the returning Maharaj, and the young talent Maphaka, who impressed during the white-ball series against Pakistan.

South Africa Playing XI for Second Test Against Pakistan:
Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (c), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Kwena Maphaka.

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