CENTURION: The opening Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and South Africa, scheduled to run from December 26 to 30 here at the SuperSport Park, is likely to be disrupted by the rain.
According to Accuweather, the fixture faces an uncertain future due to strong prediction of rain for as much as two days of action.
The weather is foreseen to remain clear for the opening day of the first Test, while on the second day the prospects of rain are likely rise significantly.
The third day of the Centurion Test has the highest chance of rain, with a probability of up to 70 per cent, accompanied by overcast conditions.
Rain probability will then decrease to 40 per cent on the fourth day, with only light showers and a gentle breeze passing over the SuperSport Park. Whereas, the final day is expected to have more stable weather, with the chances of rain further declining to 35 per cent.
Notably, the upcoming fixture holds significant importance for the home team as they are just one win away from securing their place in the World Test Championship (WTC) final.
Meanwhile, Pakistan, despite boasting a dismal Test record in the country, will be confident for a turnaround, mainly due to their 3-0 whitewash victory over the hosts in the recently-concluded ODI series.
Pakistan’s playing XI:
Shan Masood (c), Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, Salman Ali Agha, Aamir Jamal, Naseem Shah, Khurram Shahzad and Mohammad Abbas.
South Africa’s playing XI:
Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Temba Bavuma (C), David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Dane Paterson, and Corbin Bosch.
