Series: South Africa tour of Pakistan, ICC World Test Championship 2025-27
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Dates: October 20-24, 2025 (5-day Test)
Match Time: 10:00 AM PKT (local)
Current Series Status: Pakistan leads 1-0
The Story So Far
Pakistan made a stunning statement in Lahore, crushing defending WTC champions South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test. Noman Ali’s magical 10-wicket haul (6/112 and 4/79) spun Pakistan to victory, with Shaheen Afridi providing crucial support with four second-innings wickets. Now the hosts look to seal the series in Rawalpindi, while South Africa desperately needs a win to stay alive.
Expected Playing XIs
Pakistan (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Geo Super
Pakistan coach Azhar Mahmood indicated minor changes might be made after assessing the pitch on match morning. The team could shift to a 3-1 combination (three spinners, one pacer) given the dry Rawalpindi surface.
Most Likely XI:
- Abdullah Shafique
- Imam-ul-Haq
- Shan Masood (c)
- Babar Azam
- Saud Shakeel
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Salman Agha
- Noman Ali
- Sajid Khan / Abrar Ahmed (pitch-dependent)
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Hasan Ali / third spinner
Note: Former cricketer Kamran Akmal suggested replacing Abdullah Shafique with Kamran Ghulam and Hasan Ali with Abrar Ahmed, but no official confirmation yet.
South Africa (Likely XI)
Source: ESPNcricinfo, Cricket Addictor
Keshav Maharaj returns after missing the first Test, a massive boost for the visitors. Marco Jansen could also come in to add pace and lower-order batting depth.
Most Likely XI:
- Aiden Markram (c)
- Ryan Rickelton
- Dewald Brevis
- Tony de Zorzi
- Tristan Stubbs
- Kyle Verreynne (wk)
- Marco Jansen (likely addition)
- Keshav Maharaj (confirmed return)
- Senuran Muthusamy
- Simon Harmer
- Kagiso Rabada
Players to Watch
| Role | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Batter | Babar Azam – The former captain needs a big score to silence critics after recent struggles | Tony de Zorzi – His century in Lahore showed he can handle Pakistan’s spinners |
| Batter | Saud Shakeel – The vice-captain’s solid middle-order presence will be crucial | Ryan Rickelton – Showed resilience in Lahore and must anchor the innings again |
| Bowler | Noman Ali – Player of the Match in Lahore with 10 wickets; the spin wizard could dominate again | Keshav Maharaj – His return gives SA their most experienced spinner for subcontinental conditions |
| Bowler | Shaheen Afridi – Four crucial wickets in the last innings; his new-ball spell will be key | Kagiso Rabada – The pace spearhead must exploit any early moisture or uneven bounce |
Pitch & Weather Report
Pitch Conditions:
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium typically offers a balanced surface, but Pakistan is likely preparing another spin-friendly track. Coach Azhar Mahmood confirmed the pitch “looks quite dry,” suggesting spinners will dominate again. However, Rawalpindi historically offers slightly more bounce than Lahore, potentially giving fast bowlers some assistance early on.
Weather Forecast:
October weather in Rawalpindi is generally pleasant with temperatures around 30-32°C during the day, cooling to 18-20°C in the evenings. Light rainfall is possible (about 7 rainy days across the month with 31mm total precipitation), but clear conditions are expected for most of the Test. Humidity levels will remain moderate.
What to Expect
This match promises to be another spin-dominated affair, though perhaps not as extreme as Lahore. Pakistan’s confidence is sky-high after their dominant first-Test performance, and Noman Ali will be licking his lips at another turning track. The hosts’ main concern remains their opening partnership – Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique have struggled to provide solid starts.
South Africa showed remarkable fighting spirit in Lahore despite the defeat, particularly in their second innings where they matched Pakistan blow for blow. Keshav Maharaj’s return changes their equation significantly, giving them genuine spin firepower. If the Proteas can win the toss and bat first, they have the quality to post a challenging total – Tony de Zorzi and Tristan Stubbs proved that.
The toss will be crucial. Batting first allows teams to capitalize on the best batting conditions before the pitch deteriorates. Expect another low-scoring, attritional Test where patience, application against spin, and smart rotation of strike will determine the outcome.
Prediction
Pakistan holds all the cards playing at home with momentum and form on their side. Their spin trio looks unstoppable on these surfaces, and South Africa’s batters – despite showing resilience – will struggle to score 350+ consistently.
Predicted Result: Pakistan to win by 50-80 runs and clinch the series 2-0.
However, don’t write off the Proteas entirely. If Maharaj can match Noman’s impact and their batters can grind out one big first-innings total, they can level the series and take it to a decider at… well, there isn’t one. It’s a two-match series, so South Africa must win here or go home with a series defeat.
Sources:
- ESPNcricinfo (Match Preview, Danyal Rasool, October 19, 2025)
- Cricket Addictor (Team News, October 19, 2025)
- Geo Super (Azhar Mahmood Press Conference, October 19, 2025)
- PCB Official Press Release (Squad Announcement)