Cricket fans are in for a treat as Pakistan vs South Africa takes center stage in Faisalabad after a remarkable 17-year absence. This three-match ODI series promises explosive action, emerging stars, and tactical masterclasses that could reshape both teams’ futures heading into the 2027 World Cup.
Whether you’re looking for Pakistan vs South Africa live streaming details, match predictions, or expert betting insights, this comprehensive guide covers everything you need to know about this historic series.
🗓 Match Overview & Schedule
- Match: Pakistan vs South Africa – 1st ODI 2025
- Date: 4 November 2025
- Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- Time: 2:30 PM (PKT) / 3:00 PM (BDT)
This is not just another bilateral match , it’s a chance for both teams to reset their ODI rhythm ahead of the upcoming ICC season.
📺 How to watch:
Fans across Bangladesh and South Asia can catch Pakistan vs South Africa live on major sports networks and digital platforms. Live streaming will also be available via regional partners and official cricket channels.
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⚔️ Head-to-Head Record – Pakistan vs South Africa in ODIs
Whenever these two sides meet, it’s pure competition. Over the years, they’ve fought in 87 ODIs:
| Team | Wins | Losses | Ties/No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 34 | 52 | 1 |
| South Africa | 52 | 34 | 1 |
South Africa hold the edge overall, but Pakistan’s record at home tells another story. Since 2021, Pakistan have won more than 70% of their ODIs played in Asia a stat that gives them confidence ahead of this showdown.
🏟 A Rivalry Written in Drama
Think back to 2013, when Pakistan shocked the Proteas in Cape Town. Or 2021, when Babar Azam’s ton guided his side to a series win in Johannesburg. Every Pakistan vs South Africa cricket match has featured intensity, close margins, and at least one unforgettable performance.
Both captains know how much this series means. Pakistan are trying to reclaim their ODI dominance at home. South Africa are determined to prove that their new-look squad can thrive under pressure away from home.
🔥 Recent Form & Momentum
Pakistan come into this ODI series after mixed results — dominant in T20s but inconsistent in longer formats. They’ve had strong top-order performances but often lost grip in the middle overs.
South Africa, on the other hand, have quietly built momentum after impressive wins in England and a tight series at home. Their young guns have shown composure, and their bowlers have found rhythm again.
Form Guide (last five ODIs):
- Pakistan: W L W L L
- South Africa: W W L W W
Momentum leans slightly toward South Africa, but conditions in Faisalabad could level things up.
🌆 Venue Spotlight – Iqbal Stadium Returns
The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad has a nostalgic feel. It’s been years since this historic ground hosted an international match, and fans are thrilled to see cricket return here.
Here’s what you should know:
- Average first-innings score: 285 runs
- Highest total: ~330 (ODI record at venue)
- Toss impact: Teams batting first have won 9 out of 16 ODIs
Expect a batting-friendly pitch early on, offering some movement for fast bowlers and later grip for spinners. The crowd energy, though, will be electric — and that alone can lift Pakistan’s confidence.
🧱 Pitch Report & Playing Conditions
The Faisalabad pitch is known for balance. Here’s what the data suggests:
- First 20 overs: New ball moves both ways; seamers in control.
- Middle overs: Spinners start to dictate rhythm.
- Final 10 overs: Outfield quickens; hitters feast.
A total of 280-300 should be competitive. However, if dew arrives late, expect chasing teams to have an easier time — a crucial factor in toss decisions.
🌤 Weather Forecast & Dew Factor
Cricket isn’t just skill; it’s also about the elements. Faisalabad’s weather forecast is mostly clear, with mild evening temperatures between 23-26 °C. The only wildcard? Dew.
Late-evening dew can make defending totals tricky — bowlers may struggle to grip the ball. Captains know this. Don’t be surprised if whoever wins the toss opts to bowl first.
📊 ICC Rankings & What’s at Stake
This ODI series isn’t a friendly — ranking points are up for grabs.
- Pakistan currently hover around 5th in ICC ODI Rankings.
- South Africa trail closely at 6th.
A 2-1 series result could swing ranking positions dramatically. For teams preparing for the next ICC Championship cycle, every run and wicket matters.
🇵🇰 Pakistan Squad – Strengths & Weaknesses
Pakistan have picked a balanced team for this ODI.
Key Players: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan, Imam-ul-Haq, Shadab Khan.
Strengths
- Fearsome new-ball pair: Shaheen Afridi & Naseem Shah.
- Babar Azam’s consistency anchors the innings.
- Home familiarity with the surfaces.
Weaknesses
- Middle-order volatility.
- Spin department still searching for consistency.
X-Factor: Salman Agha the hero of Pakistan’s record chase earlier this year could again be the middle-order stabilizer.
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🇿🇦 South Africa Squad – Strengths & Weaknesses
This Proteas team feels fresh. A blend of calm experience and fearless youth makes them unpredictable.
Key Players: Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Tabraiz Shamsi.
Strengths
- Explosive batting line-up capable of 300+ totals.
- Varied attack: Rabada’s pace, Shamsi’s spin, Linde’s accuracy.
Weaknesses
- Adjustment to subcontinental conditions.
- Over-reliance on top-order partnerships.
X-Factor: Reeza Hendricks — if he settles early, he can change the entire game tempo.
⚔️ Key Player Battles
| Battle | Why It Matters | Edge Prediction |
|---|---|---|
| Shaheen Afridi vs Reeza Hendricks | New-ball swing vs attacking opener | Afridi early advantage |
| Babar Azam vs Rabada | Pakistan’s best vs South Africa’s spearhead | Even battle |
| Shadab Khan vs Klaasen | Leg-spin control vs power-hitting | Depends on pitch grip |
| Rizwan vs Shamsi | Patience vs guile | Small edge to Rizwan at home |
Watching these duels unfold will be half the fun.
📈 Form Tracker – Top Players in Recent ODIs
| Player | Matches (Last 10) | Avg | SR | Key Stat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | 10 | 54 | 91 | 3 fifties in last 5 games |
| Shaheen Afridi | 10 | – | – | 17 wickets at 29.4 |
| Klaasen | 9 | 60 | 119 | two centuries in 2025 ODIs |
| Rabada | 8 | – | – | 12 wickets in powerplay |
Both teams are stacked with players in good nick.
🏏 Predicted Playing XIs
Pakistan: Fakhar Zaman, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (c), Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Shadab Khan, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Usama Mir.
South Africa: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock, Aiden Markram (c), Rassie van der Dussen, Heinrich Klaasen, George Linde, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Tabraiz Shamsi.
🎯 Strategy & Game Plan
Cricket at this level is chess in motion. Expect Pakistan to attack early with Shaheen and Naseem, looking for two quick wickets before spin takes over.
Babar Azam will aim to anchor while Imam or Fakhar play aggressively upfront.
South Africa’s plan will revolve around surviving the first 15 overs, then using Klaasen and Markram to accelerate in the middle. Rabada’s short spells could decide whether Pakistan’s lower order holds or folds.
⚡ X-Factors & Impact Players
- Saim Ayub (Pak): Young, fearless, and naturally aggressive at the top.
- Salman Agha: Composed finisher who absorbs pressure.
- George Linde (SA): All-rounder who gives balance with both bat and ball.
- Klaasen: Game-changer – his strike-rate against spin is 130+.
These aren’t the headline names but could be the difference between victory and defeat.
🏅 Records & Milestones to Watch
- Babar Azam needs ~150 runs to reach 6,000 ODI runs.
- Rabada is two wickets away from 200 in ODIs.
- Pakistan chasing a 10-match home win streak.
- South Africa seeking first series win in Pakistan since 2007.
💸 Fantasy Cricket Tips & Prediction Picks
Captain Choices: Babar Azam (Pak), Klaasen (SA)
Vice-Captain Choices: Afridi or Rabada
Budget Picks: Salman Agha, Linde
Risky Differentials: Usama Mir, Nandre Burger
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🔮 Expert Prediction
Here’s a bold one:
Pakistan win the 1st ODI by 4 wickets.
Reasons:
- Home advantage.
- Sharper new-ball pair.
- More settled batting order.
But don’t count the Proteas out — a single big innings from Klaasen or de Kock could swing everything. Cricket between these two is never predictable; that’s why it’s irresistible.
📺 Live Streaming & Score Updates
Finding Pakistan vs South Africa live coverage is easier than ever with multiple broadcasting options worldwide:
Pakistan: PTV Sports (TV), Myco app, Tamasha app (streaming)
India & Sri Lanka: Sony Sports Network, SonyLIV, FanCode
South Africa: SuperSport
United Kingdom: PCB Live
United States: Willow TV
Middle East: Various regional sports channels
Additionally, fans can track pak vs africa live score updates through Cricbuzz, ESPNcricinfo, and various mobile apps offering ball-by-ball commentary.
💬 Fan Buzz & Social Media Heat
#PAKvSA is already trending. From Karachi to Cape Town, social feeds are packed with predictions and memes. Pakistani fans want redemption after a slow start to the year. South African supporters believe their pace attack can silence the crowd.
In Bangladesh, fans are excited too — many follow both teams closely due to shared time-zone convenience. Cricket, after all, unites this region like nothing else.
🎙 Expert Comment & Local Insight
Former cricketers have their say:
“Faisalabad is tricky — if you don’t adapt by the 10th over, you’ll spend the rest of the innings chasing the game,” says one ex-Pakistan bowler.
That insight underlines the importance of quick adjustments — whoever reads the surface faster usually wins.
🕒 Post-Match Updates & Coverage
This space won’t end at the toss. Stay tuned after the match for highlight summaries, post-match reactions, and player ratings.
We’ll also break down how key moments unfolded and what to expect from the second ODI.
Bookmark this blog or revisit the Jeta33 Blog section for those detailed analyses.
📊 Quick Snapshot – Stats at a Glance
| Category | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| ICC Ranking | 5 | 6 |
| Last 5 ODIs | 2 W / 3 L | 3 W / 2 L |
| Avg 1st Inns Score | 290 | 280 |
| Top Batter | Babar Azam | Klaasen |
| Lead Bowler | Shaheen Afridi | Rabada |
Numbers tell one story; the match will tell another.
🧩 What to Watch for Beyond the Scoreboard
- The battle between spin and dew in the evening session.
- South Africa’s adaptability under Pakistani crowd pressure.
- Babar Azam’s captaincy decisions — will he risk early spin?
- Can South Africa’s youngsters handle Shaheen’s swing first-up?
These micro-contests shape the macro-result.
Beyond the Boundary: Economic and Cultural Impact
This series benefits Faisalabad economically in ways that go beyond sports. On match days, local businesses such as hotels and restaurants see a significant increase in revenue. Sales of cricket memorabilia also soar as supporters rejoice over their team’s comeback.
Culturally, cricket unites Pakistan like no other force. These games give young people role models in sports and revive national pride after years of playing away from home. Many young cricket players who aspire to represent their country are inspired by the sight of international players playing in Faisalabad.
Why This Series Matters for 2027 World Cup
Both teams view this series through the lens of 2027 World Cup preparation. Pakistan tests combinations, evaluates form, and builds winning momentum in home conditions. Their performance provides selectors with valuable data about player readiness for future challenges.
South Africa explicitly stated this tour focuses on youth development and World Cup squad building. Resting seven key players allows emerging talent to gain invaluable international experience in challenging conditions. Players like Breetzke, Brevis, and young bowlers receive opportunities to prove they belong at the highest level.
🏁 Final Verdict & Takeaway
Cricket fans couldn’t have asked for a better November gift. The Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI promises top-class batting, new-ball fireworks, and tactical depth.
Expect Pakistan to start strong, using early wickets and crowd support to their benefit. But if South Africa’s middle order holds steady, we could be in for a late-night thriller.
Prediction Recap: Pakistan to win narrowly – but expect heart-stopping moments.
❓ FAQs
Q1. When and where is the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI?
The first ODI between Pakistan and South Africa takes place on November 4, 2025, at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. Match starts at 1:00 PM PKT / 1:30 PM IST.
Q2: Where can I watch Pakistan vs South Africa live?
Watch on PTV Sports (Pakistan), Sony Sports Network and SonyLIV (India), SuperSport (South Africa), PCB Live (UK), and Willow TV (USA).
Q3: What is Pakistan’s ODI record against South Africa?
Pakistan leads the head-to-head record with 52 wins compared to South Africa’s 34 victories in 87 ODI matches.
Q4: Why is Temba Bavuma not playing?
Temba Bavuma, South Africa’s regular ODI captain, is ruled out due to injury. Additionally, seven other key players are rested for workload management.
Q5: Is Quinton de Kock back in ODI cricket?
Yes, Quinton de Kock reversed his 2023 ODI retirement specifically for this Pakistan tour, bringing valuable experience to a young South African squad.
Q6: Who is Pakistan’s new ODI captain?
Shaheen Shah Afridi has been appointed as Pakistan’s ODI captain, leading the team for the first time in this format during the South Africa series.
Q7: What type of pitch is at Iqbal Stadium Faisalabad?
Iqbal Stadium offers a balanced pitch favoring batsmen initially, with spinners becoming increasingly effective as the match progresses. Average first innings scores hover around 250 runs.
Q8: Can South Africa win with their weakened squad?
While challenging, South Africa could win if Quinton de Kock performs consistently and young players like Matthew Breetzke and Dewald Brevis deliver breakthrough performances.
Q9: What time is the toss for Pakistan vs South Africa matches?
The toss typically occurs 30 minutes before match start, around 12:30 PM PKT / 1:00 PM IST for all three ODIs.
Q10: How many ODIs are in this series?
This is a three-match ODI series played entirely at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, concluding South Africa’s tour of Pakistan on November 9, 2025.
This series isn’t just about numbers. It’s about pride, momentum, and that timeless joy of seeing bat meet ball under pressure.
If you’re as excited as we are, keep an eye on every delivery and follow real-time insights, bonuses, and match-day updates via the Jeta33 Website.
Cricket’s heartbeat returns to Faisalabad and when Pakistan vs South Africa collide, the world will be watching. Grab your snacks, charge your devices, and get ready. The roar of the crowd is back.