Match: 3rd T20I (Series Decider)
Date: November 1, 2025 (Friday)
Time: 8:00 PM Local (8:30 PM IST)
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Series Status: 1-1 (Level)
Toss: To be announced
Series Story So Far
The three-match T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa is perfectly poised at 1-1, setting up an exciting finale in Lahore tonight.
South Africa dominated the first T20I in Rawalpindi, posting 194 runs and then bowling Pakistan out for 139 to win by 55 runs. However, Pakistan bounced back strongly in the second T20I, bowling out South Africa for just 110 runs before chasing down the target with nine wickets in hand.
Saim Ayub scored an unbeaten 71 in Pakistan’s victory, while bowlers Faheem Ashraf took 4-23 and Salman Mirza claimed 3-14 in a match-winning performance.
Expected Playing XIs
Pakistan Likely XI
(Source: Based on 2nd T20I lineup from ESPNcricinfo and Business Standard)
Pakistan played the following XI in the 2nd T20I: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (captain), Usman Khan (wicketkeeper), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Salman Mirza, and Abrar Ahmed.
Pakistan are expected to stick with the same winning combination for the decider.
Predicted Pakistan XI:
- Saim Ayub
- Sahibzada Farhan (wicketkeeper)
- Babar Azam
- Salman Agha (captain)
- Usman Khan
- Hasan Nawaz
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Faheem Ashraf
- Naseem Shah
- Salman Mirza
- Abrar Ahmed
South Africa Likely XI
(Source: Based on 2nd T20I lineup from ESPNcricinfo and Outlook India)
South Africa’s XI in the 2nd T20I included: Reeza Hendricks, Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira (captain), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nandre Burger, Ottneil Baartman, and Lungi Ngidi.
The Proteas may consider changes after their batting collapse in the previous game.
Predicted South Africa XI:
- Reeza Hendricks
- Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Dewald Brevis
- Matthew Breetzke / Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Donovan Ferreira (captain)
- George Linde
- Corbin Bosch
- Ottneil Baartman / Nandre Burger
- Lizaad Williams
- Lungi Ngidi
Players to Watch
| Category | Pakistan | South Africa |
|---|---|---|
| Top Batters | Saim Ayub (71* in 2nd T20I), Babar Azam (all-time T20I runs leader) | Reeza Hendricks (60 in 1st T20I), Quinton de Kock |
| Key Bowlers | Faheem Ashraf (4-23 in 2nd T20I), Salman Mirza (3-14) | George Linde, Corbin Bosch (4-14 in 1st T20I) |
| All-rounders | Mohammad Nawaz, Salman Agha | George Linde, Corbin Bosch |
Babar Azam Special Achievement: In the 2nd T20I, Babar Azam surpassed Rohit Sharma to become the highest run-scorer in T20I history, reaching 4,232 runs in the format.
Pitch and Weather Report
Pitch Conditions at Gaddafi Stadium
The pitch at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is expected to be good for batting, similar to most grounds in Pakistan. The wicket will have something in it for fast bowlers with the new ball, and they will look to make the most by pitching it in the right areas.
Recent T20Is at this venue have been high-scoring affairs. Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for high-scoring games, with pitches that are usually dry and flat where batters enjoy playing.
Weather Forecast
There is no chance of rain during the match in Lahore, with maximum temperature predicted to be 31°C and minimum temperature around 18°C.
Dew Factor: Evening matches at this venue often see dew in the second innings, which could make bowling and fielding difficult. Teams winning the toss may prefer to bowl first.
What to Expect
This series decider promises to be a thriller. Both teams have shown they can dominate when they find their rhythm.
Pakistan’s Strengths:
- Strong comeback ability after the first match loss
- Home advantage and excellent record at Gaddafi Stadium
- In-form batting with Saim Ayub leading the charge
- Improved bowling performance with pace and spin options clicking
South Africa’s Challenges:
- Batting collapse in the 2nd T20I needs addressing
- Playing with a second-string team without key stars
- Pressure of bouncing back after heavy defeat
Key Battle: Pakistan’s pace attack (Naseem Shah, Faheem Ashraf) vs South Africa’s top order (Hendricks, de Kock, de Zorzi)
Match Prediction
Given Pakistan’s dominant performance in the second T20I, their home advantage, and the momentum they carry, Pakistan are slight favorites to win this series decider. However, South Africa showed in the first match that they can post big totals and defend them successfully.
The team winning the toss will likely bowl first to take advantage of potential dew later in the innings. Expect a high-scoring match on a batting-friendly pitch, with the team that handles pressure better in crucial moments likely to emerge victorious.
Predicted Winner: Pakistan (55-45)
Where to Watch:
- India: YouTube (Sports TV channel) and FanCode
- Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports, Tapmad, Tamasha
- South Africa: SuperSport
- USA/Canada: Willow TV