PAK vs SA Match Analysis
The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is set to host an enticing clash between Pakistan and South Africa, starting on October 12, 2025. Play begins at 10:00 AM local time, with early autumn conditions expected to favor both seamers and spinners as the game progresses.
Pakistan enters this Test with the hunger to bounce back after a demoralizing loss to the West Indies earlier this year. The return of Shaheen Afridi and the reliability of Babar Azam and Rizwan add crucial balance to the squad.
South Africa arrived in Pakistan after bulldozing Zimbabwe in Bulawayo, showcasing complete dominance across departments. Aiden Markram’s leadership has steadied the Proteas, blending youth and experience seamlessly.
Pakistan vs South Africa Team Preview & Squads
Pakistan
Shan Masood, Pakistan’s new-age leader, brings calm intellect and technical precision to the Test arena. A composed left-hander, he has the temperament to build innings and guide his side through tough phases.
PAK batting lineup hinges heavily on Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan’s consistency. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq form a steady opening pair, but the middle order’s fragility remains a concern. Saud Shakeel’s emergence as a reliable No.5 is a positive, yet collective batting partnerships are the key.
Shaheen Shah Afridi headlines a potent pace attack capable of extracting life from any surface. Hasan Ali and Aamer Jamal bring aggression and swing, while Abrar Ahmed and Sajid Khan provide spin options for the later stages.
PAK endured a shock defeat against the West Indies, losing by 120 runs in a low-scoring thriller. Chasing a modest target of 254, Pakistan collapsed for 133 in the final innings. The loss exposed batting vulnerabilities and poor shot selection under pressure. Despite disciplined bowling from Shaheen and Abrar, their batting meltdown cost them the series.
Pakistan Squad
Pakistan Squad
Shan Masood (c), Aamer Jamal, Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Agha, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
South Africa
Aiden Markram, the Proteas skipper, has evolved into a mature leader who blends aggression with composure. His ability to lead from the front with the bat inspires confidence in this developing Test side.
The SA possess a balanced batting order, with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi providing solidity up top. Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs add flair and explosiveness to the middle order. Markram’s form remains pivotal, while Kyle Verreynne’s dual role as wicketkeeper-batter adds depth.
SA bowling strength lies in its pace and variety — Kagiso Rabada’s hostility, Marco Jansen’s bounce, and Wiaan Mulder’s seam control. Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy bring spin expertise ideal for subcontinental pitches.
South Africa crushed Zimbabwe by an innings and 236 runs, reaffirming their Test dominance. Their batters piled up 626/5 declared, led by centuries from Markram and Rickelton. The bowlers, spearheaded by Rabada and Harmer, dismantled Zimbabwe’s resistance with precision. It was a clinical, all-round performance that sends a strong warning to Pakistan.
South Africa Squad
South Africa Squad
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Zubayr Hamza.
Match Details | ||
Match | Pakistan vs South Africa | 1st Test | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | |
Date | 12/10/2025 (Sunday) | |
Time | 11:00 AM (BDT) / 10:00 AM GMT / 10:30 AM (INR) | |
Format | Test | |
Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore | |
Recent performance | Pakistan – W L L W L | South Africa – W W W W W |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) | |
PAK vs SA Outfield Report
Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
The Lahore surface traditionally starts firm with even bounce, assisting batters early before spinners come into play from Day 3 onward. Expect a swing in the morning sessions, especially under hazy skies. Batting first remains advantageous if a side can post above-par totals before the pitch deteriorates.
The forecast suggests clear skies with temperatures ranging between 26°C to 33°C, ideal for long sessions. Humidity levels may rise late in the afternoon, offering some reverse swing potential. Overall, conditions favor a full five-day contest without major weather interruptions.
Lahore’s recent Test matches have seen first-innings scores around 350–400, while anything under 220 batting first has proven risky. Chasing beyond 250 in the fourth innings is rare due to variable bounce and spin. A score near 400 in the first innings could dictate the game’s direction.
Pakistan vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats of Last 5 Matches
South Africa led the recent head-to-head battle, winning 3 of the last 5 Tests against Pakistan, while Pakistan has clinched 2 — both on home soil. Historically, Pakistan’s advantage lies in subcontinental conditions, but South Africa’s superior pace attack could make this encounter far from predictable.
PAK vs SA Prediction
Event | Pakistan | South Africa |
Toss Winner | – | South Africa |
Player of the Match | – | Wiaan Mulder |
Top Run Scorer | Mohammad Rizwan | Wiaan Mulder |
Top Wicket Taker | Sajid Khan | Kagiso Rabada |
Most Sixes | Mohammad Rizwan | Wiaan Mulder |
1st Innings Predicted Score | 200+ | 300+ |
Win Probability | 47% | 58% |
According to cricket analysts South Africa have a 58% chance of Winning.
Disclaimer: This cricket prediction reflects the author’s personal insights and analysis. We encourage readers to review the points shared and draw their own conclusions.
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