Newlands, Cape Town, ground history and Test records

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

The second Test awaits in Cape Town, a city that 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 famous South Africa vs India low-scoring affair took place in January 2024.

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

Newlands, Cape Town, Test records and stats

The Proteas have a 27-22 home record. As many as 11 Tests have been drawn here, with the first match dating back to 1889.

Here is a list of some important numbers to know from the previous Test matches hosted at this stadium:

Matches played: 60

Games won by teams batting first: 23

Matches won by teams that won second: 26

Even matches: 0

Matches tied: 11

The highest set of groups: 651 – South Africa v Australia, 2009

The lowest set of groups: 35/10 – South Africa vs England, 1889

Highest successful run: 334/6 by Australia v South Africa, 2002

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

Best bowling figures (innings): 8/11 – John Briggs (ENG) vs South Africa, 1889

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

Average score of first participants: 322

Newlands, Cape Town Pitch Report

Paradise for pacers! This is what we got in the last match when India bowled out South Africa for just 55 in the first innings. The wicket here was pretty bad to be honest, with the batters having no chance of building an innings.

The pitching manager could prepare something to make amends, but the pacers should still be a huge ‘test’ for the top batsmen. Accurate coverage will be broadcast live shortly before the live action for the second and final Test of the series.

Newlands, Cape Town, Last Test

The last time Newlands hosted a Test match, the ICC rated the pitch “unsatisfactory”. The match was completed within two days of cricket, with a total of 464 runs scored in four innings, i.e. 116 runs per innings.

Mohanmmed Siraj’s 6/15 rattled SA, who scored 55/10. In reply, India were in the driver’s seat before losing six wickets for zero runs! From 153/4, they collapsed to 153/10.

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