Match: 2nd ODI (Day/Night)
Date: Thursday, November 6, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM local time (Toss at 2:30 PM)
Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Series: South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025/26
Umpires: Ahsan Raza, Alex Wharf
TV Umpire: Sharfuddoula
Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle
Series Context
Pakistan leads the three-match ODI series 1-0 after winning the first match by two wickets in a thrilling finish. The home team successfully chased down 264 runs with just two balls remaining, marking the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after 17 years.
According to ESPNcricinfo and other sources, this series follows Pakistan’s 2-1 T20I series victory over South Africa.
Confirmed Playing XIs
Pakistan (From 1st ODI – Source: ESPNcricinfo, Wisden)
Confirmed lineup that played 1st ODI:
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Salman Ali Agha
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Haris Rauf
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
Note: Pakistan are likely to field the same XI that won the first match. No changes have been confirmed yet.
South Africa (From 1st ODI – Source: ESPNcricinfo)
Confirmed lineup from 1st ODI:
- Quinton de Kock
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Tony de Zorzi
- Matthew Breetzke
- Sinethemba Qeshile
- Donovan Ferreira
- George Linde
- Corbin Bosch
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Lungi Ngidi
- Lizaad Williams
Important: Dewald Brevis has been ruled out of the ODI series due to a shoulder injury suffered in the third T20I (Source: ESPNcricinfo).
Weather & Pitch Report
Weather Conditions
According to weather sources, Faisalabad experiences mild conditions in November. The temperature ranges between 22°C to 28°C during the day, dropping slightly in the evening – perfect for day-night cricket. No rain is expected during the match.
Pitch Report
The Iqbal Stadium pitch traditionally assists batters early on but offers help to spinners as the game progresses. In the first ODI, South Africa scored 263 runs, and Pakistan chased it down successfully.
Historical data from Cricket Addictor shows that the average first innings score at this venue is 228 runs. However, recent trends suggest teams should aim for 270-280 runs to set a competitive total.
Players to Watch
| Batters | Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Mohammad Rizwan | Pakistan | Scored 55 in 1st ODI |
| Salman Ali Agha | Pakistan | Made 62 (Player of Match) in 1st ODI |
| Babar Azam | Pakistan | In good form after T20I series |
| Quinton de Kock | Pakistan | Scored 63 in 1st ODI comeback |
| Lhuan-dre Pretorius | South Africa | Scored 57 on ODI debut |
| Bowlers | Team | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|
| Naseem Shah | Pakistan | Took 3/40 in 1st ODI |
| Abrar Ahmed | Pakistan | Key spinner on helpful pitch |
| Shaheen Afridi | Pakistan | New ODI captain, experienced bowler |
| Corbin Bosch | South Africa | Scored 41 and bowled well in 1st ODI |
| Lungi Ngidi | South Africa | Lead pacer for visitors |
What to Expect
Pakistan will be confident after their narrow victory in the first match. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha showed great composure under pressure, building a crucial partnership when the chase looked difficult.
For South Africa, the loss was heartbreaking. After posting 263 runs with good starts from de Kock and debutant Pretorius, they nearly defended the total but fell short by two wickets.
The pitch at Iqbal Stadium is expected to behave similarly to the first match – good for batting initially but offering turn to spinners later. Both teams will look to utilize their spin options effectively.
South Africa will miss Dewald Brevis due to injury. They need their middle order to step up and convert starts into big scores. Pakistan’s opening pair of Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman will be crucial in setting the tone.
Match Prediction
Pakistan have the advantage of winning momentum and home conditions. Their batting depth proved decisive in the first match, and spinners Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed should be effective again.
South Africa showed they can compete but need better finishing from their bowlers in the death overs.
Prediction: Pakistan are favorites to win and take a 2-0 lead in the series. Their combination of experienced batters and quality spin options suits the Faisalabad conditions perfectly.