South Africa Playing XI vs Pakistan – 2nd Test Rawalpindi 2025 (Full Squad & Match Strategy)
South Africa have officially confirmed their Playing XI for the 2nd Test against Pakistan, taking place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20 to 24, 2025. Skipper Aiden Markram will lead the side in this crucial fixture on Pakistan soil.
While Pakistan elected to bat first after winning the toss, South Africa have gone with a balanced mix of solid batters, all-round options, and a powerful pace-spin attack to challenge the home side.
✅ South Africa Confirmed Playing XI (2nd Test vs Pakistan – 2025)
| No. | Player | Role |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Aiden Markram (C) | Middle-order Batter |
| 2 | Ryan Rickelton (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 3 | Tristan Stubbs | Batter |
| 4 | Tony de Zorzi | Top-order Batter |
| 5 | Dewald Brevis | Middle-order Batter |
| 6 | Kyle Verreynne (WK) | Wicketkeeper Batter |
| 7 | Senuran Muthusamy | Batting All-rounder |
| 8 | Marco Jansen | Bowling All-rounder |
| 9 | Simon Harmer | Bowler |
| 10 | Keshav Maharaj | Bowler |
| 11 | Kagiso Rabada | Bowler |
Bench: David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Wiaan Mulder, Prenelan Subrayen, Zubayr Hamza
Read Also: Pakistan Playing XI vs South Africa – 2nd Test, Rawalpindi (20 Oct 2025) PAK Vs SA
🏏 South Africa’s Strategy for the Rawalpindi Test
South Africa are clearly focusing on a controlled batting approach and a dual spin pace attack to exploit Pakistan’s conditions.
🔹 Top and Middle Order Stability
With Tony de Zorzi, Aiden Markram, and Ryan Rickelton, South Africa have a solid front that can survive early swing from Shaheen Afridi. Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs bring aggression in the middle order, capable of switching gears quickly.
🔄 Double Wicketkeeper Setup – Tactical Move
South Africa have included two wicketkeepers — Rickelton and Verreynne — giving them batting depth and flexibility in field placements. One can play as a pure batter while the other handles gloves.
⚡ Bowling Attack – Pace + Spin Variation
| Bowler | Type | Role |
|---|---|---|
| Kagiso Rabada | Fast Bowler | New-ball strike weapon |
| Marco Jansen | Left-arm seam all-rounder | Bounce & swing control |
| Keshav Maharaj | Left-arm spinner | Attack in middle overs |
| Simon Harmer | Off-spinner | Spin web against Pakistan’s lefties |
With Rabada’s aggression and Maharaj-Harmer spin combo, South Africa will try to restrict Pakistan to a manageable first-innings score.
Read Also: Did Mitchell Starc Really Bowl at 175 kmph?
🔍 Key Players to Watch Out For
| Player | Why Important |
|---|---|
| Aiden Markram | Experienced captain and anchor batter |
| Kagiso Rabada | Capable of early breakthroughs with raw pace |
| Marco Jansen | Handy all-rounder who can swing matches with bat & ball |
| Keshav Maharaj | Crucial against Pakistan’s left-handed batters |
Final Thoughts
South Africa have gone for a controlled yet aggressive squad, banking on Rabada’s pace, Maharaj’s spin, and Markram’s leadership to counter Pakistan at Rawalpindi. If their top order holds firm, this could be a competitive Test match.
