Rawalpindi plays host to the 2^nd Test between Pakistan and South Africa starting on Thursday and the visitors know that only a victory can prevent them losing the two match series.

Pakistan won the 1^st Test in Karachi by 7 wickets and it was one of those matches where you actually felt that both teams were trying to lose the game at stages.

South Africa disappointed with the bat in the first innings getting bundled out for 220 after winning the toss and they then had Pakistan on the ropes at 27 for 4, but the visitors let the hosts off the hook and they eventually reached 378. At the end of the day it was South Africa’s lack of ability against spin that proved crucial and it is no surprise to see the Proteas trading as underdogs in this 2^nd Test.

Rawalpindi has historically been a wicket that has favoured the fast bowlers although the home camp have made no secret of the fact that they have asked the groundsman to prepare a track which will take spin. How the Pakistan management assess the wicket prior to team selection could have a huge bearing on this game as if they take in spin heavy attack and the wicket suits seamers they may be found short and of course the opposite applies.

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2^nd Test Betting – click here to bet

Pakistan 9/10

Draw 9/2

South Africa 2/1

SUGGESTED BET: If pushed to bet on the result I would once again go with Pakistan, but I just don’t feel that either of these sides can be backed with any great confidence.

SUGGESTED BET: Afridi over 3.5 match wickets at 9/10

I was impressed by Afridi in the first innings against South Africa, but his head did drop a bit in the second innings as he took some tap. If this wicket suits him as I expect it might, he could well be amongst the wickets which could include wrapping up the tail.

SUGGESTED BET: Top Home Batsman, Fawad Alam at 11/2

Alam scored a century in Pakistan’s first innings in Karachi and never had much to do in the second although he did finish 4* steering his side home. The South African’s pace attack is always capable of getting early wickets and it could be left to someone in the middle order to step up and top score in the innings.

SUGGESTED BET: Test Match finish, Day 4 Session 3 at 4/1

I am not sure if this market has been around before, but I have never noticed it and it certainly could be an interesting one. The draw as is reflected by the price of 9/2 is generally not a big runner in Test Cricket and many a time when you get to the end of Day 4 both sides are almost willing the game to end with the team on top keen to finish it off and the team on the losing side not really fancying going out for Day 5. Based on this logic I am going to have a nibble at the 4/1 that this match finishes in the final session of Day 4.

Note: All prices correct at the time of writing but are subject to change