Match: 3rd ODI (Day/Night) – Series Decider
Date: Saturday, November 8, 2025
Time: 3:00 PM Local (3:30 PM IST / 10:00 AM GMT)
Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan
Series Status: 1-1 (tied)
Toss: Yet to take place
The Story So Far
The three-match ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa has reached a thrilling finale. Pakistan won the first ODI, but South Africa bounced back in the second match to level things up. Both teams are now fighting for series victory at the same venue where they have already played two exciting matches.
This will be the third consecutive ODI match at the same venue after cricket returned to Faisalabad after a hiatus of 17 years. The home crowd will be hoping Pakistan can finish strong under their new captain, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Pitch and Weather Report
Iqbal Stadium Conditions
Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad traditionally favors batters, with pitches offering consistent bounce and limited lateral movement. Early overs may assist the fast bowlers slightly, particularly with the new ball, but as the innings progress, the surface tends to flatten out, enabling productive partnerships.
When it comes to the highest total batting first, it happens to be 314 runs, while the highest score chased here is 245 runs. The team that bats first should look to score 270-280 runs to challenge the opposition.
Weather Forecast
Weather forecasts for 8 November suggest clear skies with temperatures around 28-31°C, providing near-perfect conditions for cricket without significant interruption risks. Dew in the evening could make bowling in the second innings slightly challenging, favoring teams batting later in the day.
What This Means: The captain winning the toss might choose to chase, as dew could make bowling difficult later in the match.
Expected Playing XIs
Pakistan (Likely XI)
According to recent reports from Cricket Addictor and News Bytes, Pakistan is expected to go with an unchanged lineup:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan
- Salman Agha
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Mohammad Wasim Jr
- Naseem Shah
Source: Cricket Addictor, News Bytes (likely XI, not officially confirmed)
South Africa (Probable XI)
South Africa Probable XI: Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter.
Source: SportsCafe (probable XI, not officially confirmed)
Note: These lineups are based on predictions from cricket websites and have not been officially confirmed by the teams yet.
Players to Watch
| Player | Role | Why Watch | Recent Form |
|---|---|---|---|
| Quinton de Kock | Batter (SA) | Quinton de Kock scored an unbeaten 123 in the second ODI | Outstanding – scored century in last match |
| Babar Azam | Batter (PAK) | Pakistan’s top order, led by Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, has shown moments of brilliance but also inconsistency in recent ODIs | Looking for consistency |
| Shaheen Afridi | Bowler (PAK) | Pakistan’s captain and pace spearhead leading attack | Key bowler for Pakistan |
| Nandre Burger | Bowler (SA) | Nandre Burger claimed a match-winning four-wicket haul in the previous match | Excellent – 4 wickets in 2nd ODI |
| Tony de Zorzi | Batter (SA) | Tony de Zorzi scored a fifty in the second ODI | In good form with the bat |
| Salman Agha | Allrounder (PAK) | Salman Agha owns 428 runs from six ODI matches at 85.60 versus South Africa | Excellent record against SA |
What to Expect
This match is a straight knockout – winner takes the series. The decider carries significant weight, not just for series bragging rights but also for building momentum ahead of upcoming international fixtures.
Key Factors:
- Toss Advantage: With dew expected in the evening, the team batting second might have an advantage
- Pakistan’s Spin Attack: The home team will rely on spinners like Mohammad Nawaz to control the middle overs
- South Africa’s Momentum: The visitors come in with confidence after their dominant 8-wicket victory in the second ODI
- Home Support: Playing in front of a home crowd after 17 years could inspire Pakistan
Prediction
This is a difficult match to call. South Africa has the momentum after their big win, with Quinton de Kock in superb form. However, Pakistan has the home advantage and knows the conditions well.
If Pakistan can get early wickets with their pace attack and then use their spinners effectively, they have a strong chance. South Africa’s young batting lineup can be vulnerable under pressure.
Our Prediction: Pakistan to edge South Africa in a close contest, especially if they win the toss and chase.