Pak vs SA 2025 Upcoming Series Preview

Cricket fans, gear up! The much-awaited Pak vs SA tour is just around the corner, and it promises to be a blockbuster across all formats. Pakistan will host South Africa in October–November 2025, featuring two Tests, three T20Is, and three ODIs. This series will set the tone for Pakistan’s new World Test Championship cycle and provide a battleground for white-ball supremacy. In this preview, we dive deep into the schedule, team news, match-by-match outlook, key players, strengths and weaknesses—and predictions.

Pak vs SA : Context & Stakes

Why this series matters

World Test Championship Cycle Kickoff
The two-Test leg between Pakistan and South Africa counts toward the 2025–27 WTC points table. Pakistan must start strong at home to gain momentum in a competitive cycle.
South Africa, meanwhile, are the reigning WTC holders and will see this as a chance to assert dominance in subcontinent conditions.
White-ball preparation for global tournaments
With the T20 and ODI legs to follow, both nations will use this series to test combinations ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup and the 2027 50-over World Cup. South Africa has already made headlines with Quinton de Kock’s return from ODI retirement.
Home advantage & revenge factor
Pakistan has been eager to host major series again, and SA’s return for red-ball cricket after several years makes this a full-circle moment.
For Pakistan, success here is a chance to silence critics and build confidence. For South Africa, it’s about proving they can win in challenging Asian conditions.

Hence, Pak vs SA is more than just a bilateral—they clash in critical phases of global and national ambitions.

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Pak vs SA : Tour Schedule & Match Details

Here’s a full breakdown of venue, dates, and formats for the Pak vs SA tour

Format	Match No.	Venue	Dates (2025)	Local Start Time*
Test	1st Test	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	October 12–16	09:30 AM local
Test	2nd Test	Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi	October 20–24	09:30 AM local
T20I	1st T20I	Rawalpindi	October 28	08:00 PM local
T20I	2nd T20I	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	October 31	08:00 PM local
T20I	3rd T20I	Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore	November 1	08:00 PM local
ODI	1st ODI	Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad	November 4	02:00 PM local
ODI	2nd ODI	Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad	November 6	02:00 PM local
ODI	3rd ODI	Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad	November 8	02:00 PM local

*Local start times as per published fixtures.

Note: The Test series is first, followed by T20Is, then ODIs.

Pak vs SA : Team News & Squads

Pakistan

Test Squad & Strategy

Pakistan has named an 18-member squad for the Test leg of Pak vs SA.
Shan Masood retains captaincy.
Three uncapped players make the cut: Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir.
The squad will be trimmed before the first Test.

Pakistan Test Squad:
Shan Masood (c), Aamir Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir (wk), Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.

The team is emphasizing spin depth: with five spinners in the squad to exploit home conditions.
Pakistan has also engaged in scenario-based practice sessions ahead of the series to simulate match pressure.

Team Strengths & Questions:

Spin attack depth: Pakistan is banking heavily on spinners to exploit slow tracks, aided by Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan, Noman Ali, and newcomers.
Pace support: The likes of Shaheen Shah Afridi, Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad and Hasan Ali bring experience and bounce.
Strong top-order presence: Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, and Shan Masood will be expected to anchor the innings.
Bench strength and flexibility issues: The selection of three uncapped players is promising, but their inexperience could be exposed under pressure—and finishing combinations will need balance.

White-ball Squads (T20 / ODI)

While Pakistan is yet to officially unveil the final white-ball squads for Pak vs SA (post the Test series), historically the selectors have followed a “horses for courses” approach.
Look for core names like Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha, and Kamran Ghulam.

South Africa

Test Squad & Leadership

South Africa’s Test squad for the Pak vs SA tour has notable changes:

Captaincy shift: Temba Bavuma will be rested due to a calf injury, and Aiden Markram will lead the side in his absence.
Spinners bolstered: The Proteas will bring a spin-heavy lineup including Simon Harmer, Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, and Keshav Maharaj (for Test 2).
Pace attack still lethal: Kagiso Rabada leads the charge, supported by Marco Jansen and Wiaan Mulder.
Balanced batting: Key batters include David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Zubayr Hamza, and Kyle Verreynne.

South Africa Test Squad (abbreviated):
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj (2nd Test), Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne.

White-ball Squads & Key Changes

The South African squad announcements for ODIs and T20Is feature some high-impact decisions:

Quinton de Kock comeback: De Kock has reversed his ODI retirement and returns in both the ODI and T20I squads for the Pak vs SA tour.
Leadership in formats: Matthew Breetzke will captain the ODI side, while David Miller leads the T20Is.
Squad depth & rest policy: Some senior Test players are rested for white-ball games.

Selected South Africa ODI Squad (abridged):
Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile.

Selected South Africa T20I Squad (abridged):
David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dré Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams.

Key Observations:

De Kock’s return injects experience and stability, especially at the top order.
The resting of Bavuma for Tests is a blow to the batting middle order—but opens opportunities for Markram to lead by example.
South Africa aims to balance spin and pace to adapt to Pakistani conditions.

Pak vs SA : Pitch Conditions & Venues

Lahore (Gaddafi Stadium) – 1st Test

Lahore historically offers decent bounce and turn, especially as days progress—a favorable venue for spinners and clever bowlers.
After its recent renovation for the 2025 Champions Trophy, the pitch is expected to be well-prepared but still supportive to spinners.

Rawalpindi (Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium) – 2nd Test

Rawalpindi often yields variable bounce and becomes progressively slow. Seamers get early reward; spinners dominate later.

Faisalabad (Iqbal Stadium) – ODIs

Historically, Iqbal Stadium pitches allow batters to play freely early on; the outfield is quick. However, spinners can exert control in middle overs.

T20 Venues (Lahore / Rawalpindi)

At these smaller venues, shorter boundaries and flatter surfaces could benefit big hitters. Variation and death bowling will be crucial.

Overall assessment: The touring sides will need to outthink conditions, not just overpower them. Teams that adapt quickest to the pitch changes will gain an edge, especially as the tour progresses.

Pak vs SA : Key Battles & Player Matchups

Batting vs Spin

Pakistan batters vs Proteas spinners
- Babar Azam, in subcontinent conditions, needs to lead from the front.
- Abdullah Shafique, Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam will be tested by Harmer, Muthusamy, Subrayen.
- SA’s spinners might struggle early on but should be potent in the second innings when cracks appear.
South Africa batters vs Pakistan spinners
- Brevis, Bedingham, de Zorzi, Stubbs and Zubayr Hamza will be interesting to watch—can they counter Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan & spin variations?
- The success of South Africa’s batting hinges on how well they handle turn and bounce in Asian conditions.

Pace Clashes

Shaheen Shah Afridi vs Kagiso Rabada & Marco Jansen
This is a marquee match-up. How well Afridi adapts to home expectations and how Rabada adjusts to slower surfaces will be critical.
Support pace options
- For Pakistan: Aamir Jamal, Khurram Shahzad and Hasan Ali
- For South Africa: Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, and Jansen shoulder key responsibilities.

Return Stories

Quinton de Kock’s comeback
His reversal of ODI retirement adds narrative power to the white-ball battles. He is a class act and could tilt matches with his wicketkeeping and batting.
Newcomer spotlight
- Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, Rohail Nazir (Pakistan)
- Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee (SA)
  These players will relish the chance to make a mark on a big stage.

Pak vs SA : Predictions & Outlook: Format by Format

Test Series (2 Matches)

Advantage Pakistan (slightly)
Pakistan’s knowledge of home conditions, spin depth, and recent spin investment give them the upper hand.
However, South Africa’s experience, pace battery, and strong batting core ensure this will be competitive.
Likely scoreline:
1-1 or 1-0 in favor of Pakistan. A split in the first Test will put pressure on visitors in Rawalpindi.

T20I Series

The shorter format levels playing fields.
Pakistan’s keeper-batsman depth and home advantage are positives, but SA’s return of de Kock and all-round options make them dangerous.
Prediction: 2-1 to Pakistan or 2-1 to South Africa—tight battle.

ODI Series

With de Kock back and SA resting some Test players, the ODI leg could tilt toward the Proteas.
But Pakistan’s batting and spin variations make them no pushover.
Prediction: 2-1 in favor of South Africa or a balanced 1–1 with one no-result (weather).

Given the mix, the Pak vs SA series is likely to end with Pakistan narrowly winning the Tests, and South Africa pressing hard in white-ball formats.

FAQ

1. When does the Pak vs SA 2025 series start?

The series begins on October 12, 2025, with the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The tour continues with T20Is and ODIs through early November 2025.

2. How many matches are there in the Pak vs SA series?

The tour features 2 Tests, 3 T20Is, and 3 ODIs, making it a comprehensive bilateral series across all formats.

3. Where will the Pak vs SA matches be played?

Tests: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore and Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi.
T20Is: Rawalpindi & Lahore
ODIs: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

4. Who are the captains for the Pak vs SA series?

Pakistan Test & white-ball captain: Shan Masood (Tests), Babar Azam expected for ODIs/T20Is
South Africa Test captain: Aiden Markram (Bavuma injured)
South Africa T20I/ODI captains: David Miller (T20I), Matthew Breetzke (ODI)

5. Will Quinton de Kock play in the Pak vs SA series?

Yes! Quinton de Kock has reversed his ODI retirement and will feature in both ODI and T20I matches for South Africa.

6. Which players are the key battles to watch in Pak vs SA?

Babar Azam vs Kagiso Rabada: Top-order clash in Tests
Shaheen Shah Afridi vs David Bedingham: Seam duel
Spinners vs South African middle order: Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan vs Brevis, de Zorzi

7. What are the pitch conditions like for the Pak vs SA series?

Lahore: Fair bounce, helps spinners later in the match
Rawalpindi: Variable bounce, slow track, good for spin in second innings
Faisalabad: Batting-friendly in ODIs, spinners control middle overs
T20 venues: Flat tracks with shorter boundaries, favoring hitters

8. How can I watch Pak vs SA live?

Telecast rights vary by region. Fans can check local sports channels or official streaming partners like Disney+ Hotstar, Willow TV, or Sony LIV, depending on their location.

9. Who are the uncapped players in Pak vs SA series?

For Pakistan: Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, Rohail Nazir.
For South Africa, several white-ball squad players like Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger could be debutants.

10. Who are favorites to win the Pak vs SA series?

Test Series: Slight advantage to Pakistan due to home conditions
ODI/T20I Series: Balanced; South Africa could leverage experienced white-ball players