PAK vs SA Match Analysis
Pakistan vs South Africa 2nd Test at Rawalpindi, Oct 20, 2025 — The action moves from Lahore’s flat deck to the livelier Rawalpindi surface as Pakistan hosts South Africa for the 2nd Test. Play begins at 10:00 AM local time, and with clear skies predicted, fans can expect five full days of enthralling cricket.
Pakistan came into Rawalpindi brimming with confidence after their emphatic win in Lahore. Their batting unit, anchored by Babar Azam and Imam-ul-Haq, showed patience and discipline against a world-class attack.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be smarting from their defeat but far from demoralized. The Proteas showed glimpses of resistance through Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton, but couldn’t sustain momentum in the chase.
Pakistan vs South Africa Team Preview & Squads
Pakistan
Shan Masood, Pakistan’s Test skipper, continues to evolve as a calm yet aggressive leader. His strategic approach in the Lahore Test, especially in using his bowlers effectively earned praise.
PAK batting lineup blends classical technique with natural flair. Babar Azam, Abdullah Shafique, and Imam-ul-Haq provide stability at the top, while Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha bring solidity to the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan’s presence adds both experience and energy in crucial phases.
The bowling attack is spearheaded by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who remains Pakistan’s biggest weapon with the new ball. Hasan Ali and Aamer Jamal complement him with seam movement and aggression, while Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed provide spin variety.
In the 1st Test at Lahore, PAK showcased complete dominance. They scored 378 & 167, while South Africa managed 269 & 183 in reply, as Pakistan won by 93 runs. Saud Shakeel’s gritty century and Shaheen Afridi’s five-wicket haul were the standout performances.
Pakistan Squad
Pakistan
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 South African skipper, remains the heartbeat of this Proteas side. His leadership style is assertive, driven by intent and self-belief, though his team’s execution in Lahore fell short.
SA batting lineup has potential but lacks consistency in subcontinental conditions. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi have shown promise, while Dewald Brevis adds flair to the middle order. However, they’ll need stronger partnerships to neutralize Pakistan’s spin threat.
The SA bowling attack is a blend of pace and precision. Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen form the strike duo, while Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer handle spin responsibilities. If their pacers find early movement in Rawalpindi, South Africa could make early inroads.
In the 1st Test at Lahore, South Africa faltered despite flashes of brilliance. They posted 269 & 183, falling short of a tough chase of 277. Markram’s side showed resilience but couldn’t counter Pakistan’s relentless pressure. Rabada and Jansen bowled well, but their batting collapses cost them dearly.
South Africa Squad
South Africa
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Zubayr Hamza.
Match Details | ||
Match | Pakistan vs South Africa | 2nd Test | South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 | |
Date | 20/10/2025 (Monday) | |
Time | 11:00 AM (BDT) / 10:00 AM (PKT) / 10:30 AM (INR) | |
Format | TEST | |
Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | |
Recent performance | Pakistan – L L W L W | South Africa – W W W W L |
Live Streaming Details | Click here to watch the Live Stream on Sports Live Hub(SLH) | |
PAK vs SA Outfield Report
Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
The Rawalpindi surface typically offers early movement for pacers before flattening out for batters. Spinners come into play from Day 3 onward as cracks begin to appear. Expect a balanced contest where the first innings total could dictate the match flow.
Rawalpindi is expected to enjoy pleasant weather throughout the Test. Daytime temperatures will hover around 27–29°C, with cool evenings and low humidity. Minimal rain is forecasted, ensuring an uninterrupted five days of play.
Historically, Rawalpindi has produced first innings scores between 320–400, while chasing anything beyond 250 becomes tricky in the fourth innings. The surface often rewards patience and discipline — a true test of technique rather than aggression. Teams batting first tend to hold the edge.
Pakistan vs South Africa Head-to-Head Stats (Last 5 Matches)
In their last five Tests, Pakistan have won three, while South Africa claimed two. Pakistan’s home advantage has been decisive in recent years, especially with their spinners dominating.
PAK vs SA Prediction
Event | Pakistan | South Africa |
Toss Winner | Pakistan | – |
Player of the Match | Noman Ali | – |
Top Run Scorer | Imam-ul-Haq | Tony de Zorzi |
Top Wicket Taker | Noman Ali | Senuran Muthusamy |
Most Sixes | Imam-ul-Haq | Tony de Zorzi |
1st Innings Predicted Score | 350+ | 330+ |
Win Probability | 52% | 48% |
According to cricket analysts Pakistan have a 52% 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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