The History of Newlands Cricket Pitch in Cape Town and its Test Records

South Africa has secured their place in the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025 Final and is set to host Pakistan once again. In the first Test, South Africa emerged victorious with a remarkable performance by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. The second Test will take place in Cape Town, a city known for hosting the most Tests (60) in South Africa. Pakistan has never won against South Africa in Cape Town in four attempts.

Before the second Test between South Africa and Pakistan, let’s take a look at some key numbers from previous Tests at the Newlands, Cape Town:

Newlands, Cape Town, Test record and stats

South Africa has a 27-22 record at Newlands. Out of the 60 Tests played here, 11 have ended in a draw, with the first match dating back to 1889.

Important numbers from previous Test matches at Newlands:

Matches played: 60

Matches won by teams batting first: 23

Matches won by teams batting second: 26

Matches tied: 0

Matches drawn: 11

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

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

Highest successful run-chase: 334/6 by Australia vs 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): 15/28 – John Briggs (ENG) vs South Africa, 1889

Average first innings score: 322

Newlands, Cape Town Pitch Report

Newlands pitch is known for favoring pacers. In the last match, India bowled out South Africa for just 55 runs in the first innings. However, the pitch was criticized for being difficult for batters to build an innings on.

The pitch curator might make adjustments, but pacers are expected to dominate and challenge the top-order batters. The detailed pitch report will be provided just before the start of the second Test.

Newlands, Cape Town, Last Test

In the last Test at Newlands, the pitch was rated ‘unsatisfactory’ by the ICC. The match concluded in just two days with a total of 464 runs scored across four innings, averaging 116 runs per innings.

Mohammed Siraj’s 6/15 destroyed South Africa, who were bowled out for 55. In response, India collapsed from 153/4 to 153/10. Aiden Markram’s century provided some resistance for South Africa, but India comfortably chased down the target of 79 runs with Rohit Sharma remaining unbeaten.

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Edited by Arshit Garg