Newlands, Cape Town, pitch history and test records Magic Post

After confirming their place in the 2025 ICC World Test Championship (WTC) final, South Africa are all set to host Pakistan again. The Shan Masood-led side put up a spirited fight against the Proteas in the first Test, who broke through the ropes thanks to a match-winning partnership between Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.

The second Test awaits you in Cape Town, the city which has hosted the most Tests (60) in South Africa. Pakistan would be wary of the fact that they have never beaten South Africa here in four attempts. In fact, this is the same ground where the infamous low-scoring affair between South Africa and India took place in January 2024.

Ahead of the second South Africa vs Pakistan Test, here are some important numbers you need to know from the previous Tests played at the venue.

Newlands, Cape Town, test record and statistics

The Proteas are 27-22 at the venue. No less than 11 Tests have been drawn here, with the first match dating back to 1889.

Here is a list of some important numbers that you should know from previous test matches hosted by this ground:

Matches played: 60

Matches won by teams batting first:23

Games won by teams batting second:26

Tied matches: 0

Draws: 11

Highest team total: 651 – South Africa v Australia, 2009

Lowest team total: 35/10 – South Africa against England, 1889

Most successful chase: 334/6 by Australia v South Africa, 2002

Highest individual score: 262- Stephen Fleming (NZ) v South Africa, 2006

Best Bowling Figures (Innings): 8/11 – John Briggs (ENG) against South Africa, 1889

Best Bowling Figures (Match): 15/28 – John Briggs (ENG) v South Africa, 1889

Average score of first rounds: 322

Newlands, Cape Town Pitch Report

A stimulator’s paradise! That’s what we got in the last match when India beat South Africa for just 55 runs in the first innings. The wicket here was pretty bad to be honest with the batters having no chance of building an innings.

The fielding curator might cook up something to make amends, but the pacers should still pose a huge ‘test’ for the top-order batters. The exact pitch report will be broadcast live just before the live action of the second and final Test of the series.

Newlands, Cape Town, last test

South Africa vs India – 2nd Test – Source: Getty

The last time Newlands staged a Test match, the ICC rated the pitch “unsatisfactory”. The match ended within two days of cricket, with a total of 464 runs scored in four innings, or 116 runs per innings.

Mohanmmed Siraj’s 6/15 shook SA, who recorded 55/10. In response, India were in control before losing six wickets for zero runs! From 153/4, they collapsed to 153/10.

In response, Aiden Markram scored a scintillating ton to have something on the board for South Africa. India easily chased down the total of 79 runs with Rohit Sharma remaining unbeaten.