Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM local time (15:00 PKT)
Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
Format: Day/Night 50-over match
Series: South Africa tour of Pakistan (3-match ODI series)
Match Officials:
- Umpires: Asif Yaqoob, Sharfuddoula
- TV Umpire: Alex Wharf
- Match Referee: Ranjan Madugalle
Expected Playing XIs
Pakistan (Likely XI – Source: Sky247, Outlook India)
- Saim Ayub
- Fakhar Zaman
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (Wicketkeeper)
- Hussain Talat
- Salman Agha
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Afridi (Captain)
- Haris Rauf
- Abrar Ahmed
Note: This is a likely XI based on squad lists. Official team announcement pending.
South Africa (Likely XI – Source: Outlook India, Wisden)
- Quinton de Kock (Wicketkeeper)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Matthew Breetzke (Captain)
- Dewald Brevis
- Donovan Ferreira
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- George Linde
- Corbin Bosch
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Lizaad Williams
- Lungi Ngidi
Note: This is a likely XI based on squad information. Official confirmation awaited.
Venue & Pitch Report
Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad will host international ODI cricket after 17 years. The stadium has hosted 16 ODI matches with an even split—8 teams won batting first and 8 won chasing.
Pitch Conditions: The surface is expected to favor batters in the first innings, with spinners getting help as the match progresses. Average first innings scores at this venue are around 228 runs, though the highest ODI total here was 314 by Pakistan against New Zealand in 2003.
Weather Forecast: Clear skies and pleasant evening conditions are expected. November temperatures in Faisalabad typically range from 23-30°C during the day, cooling to comfortable levels for night cricket. No rain is expected.
Players to Watch
| Pakistan | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Babar Azam | Batter | Former captain returns in form after recent T20 success against SA |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler/Captain | Leading Pakistan for the first time as full-time ODI captain |
| Mohammad Rizwan | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Reliable middle-order anchor and experienced keeper |
| Abrar Ahmed | Spinner | Mystery spinner who could exploit Faisalabad conditions |
| South Africa | Role | Why Watch |
|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | Wicketkeeper-Batter | Playing for SA for first time since 2023 World Cup |
| Matthew Breetzke | Batter/Captain | Captaining South Africa for the first time |
| Lungi Ngidi | Bowler | Experienced pace bowler leading the attack |
| George Linde | All-rounder | Key spin option on turning Faisalabad pitch |
What to Expect
This series marks a fresh start for both teams. Pakistan enters with confidence after winning the T20I series against South Africa, while the visitors are coming off a 2-1 ODI series win over England in September.
Shaheen Afridi takes over as Pakistan’s ODI captain from Mohammad Rizwan, bringing new energy to the leadership. The home side will rely on their strong spin attack featuring Abrar Ahmed and Mohammad Nawaz to exploit home conditions.
South Africa fields a young squad led by first-time captain Matthew Breetzke, with several uncapped players like Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Donovan Ferreira looking to prove themselves. The return of Quinton de Kock adds experience to an otherwise inexperienced lineup.
Both teams are in rebuilding mode ahead of the 2027 World Cup. Pakistan currently sits 5th in the ICC World Cup Super League, while South Africa is 6th. This series could be crucial for improving their standings.
Prediction
Pakistan are favorites to win this match. They have home advantage, a balanced squad with quality spinners, and momentum from their recent T20 series win. The Faisalabad pitch should suit their style of play.
However, South Africa’s batting lineup—featuring de Kock, de Zorzi, and Brevis—can cause problems if they get settled. The visitors will need early wickets and strong bowling performances to challenge Pakistan.
Expected Result: Pakistan to win by 30-40 runs or 5-6 wickets