South Africa will complete a half century of Test matches at Newlands, Cape Town when they take on Pakistan in the second Test match on Thursday (February 14). South Africa have won 20, lost 19 and draw 10 in 49 Test matches played at this ground. They have won both Test matches against Pakistan here. The hosts defeated Pakistan by an innings and 142 runs when two teams met first time at this ground in 2002-03 series. South Africa achieved a five-wicket win over visitors in the second Test match at this ground in 2006-07 series.
Newlands, home of Western Province Cricket, has been described by many, together with the Adelaide Oval in Australia, as one of the most beautiful cricket grounds in the World. Nestled behind and at the foot of Table Mountain it is one of the most picturesque places in the world to watch cricket. Over the past five years numerous changes have been made to the ground. This has slightly taken away from its former splendor. Large portions of the grass embankments have been replaced by pavilions increasing the seating capacity to 25,000. Newlands is one of the few grounds in South Africa that assists spin bowlers borne out by the fact that many of South African spinners have come from the Western Cape. The pitch is also very conducive to results with a small percentage of Tests played ending up as drawn. Newlands is also favoured with a Mediterranean winter rainfall climate allowing for perfect weather to watch and play cricket in.
SA to play 50th test match at Cape Town
