Pakistan and South Africa are all set to lock horns in the first ODI of the three-match series at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Tuesday, November 4. The match is scheduled to begin at 3:30 PM (IST) and marks the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after nearly 17 years.
Match Details:
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Fixture: Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI, Pakistan tour of South Africa 2025
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Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
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Time: 3:30 PM (IST)
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Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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Live Streaming: Available on FanCode (app and website) in India, SuperSport app in South Africa, and ARY ZAP in Pakistan
Team Overview
After a drawn Test series (1-1) and a hard-fought comeback in the T20I leg (2-1), Pakistan will now shift focus to the 50-over format. This ODI series will also be the first for Shaheen Shah Afridi as the full-time captain after replacing Mohammad Rizwan last month. The hosts will look to start this new era with a strong performance in front of their home crowd.
Pakistan’s batting lineup looks balanced with Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman providing firepower at the top, while Babar Azam anchors the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan will return to his familiar wicketkeeping duties and is expected to play a key finishing role. The all-round department, featuring Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf, adds valuable depth, while the bowling attack will be led by Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and mystery spinner Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa, on the other hand, enter the ODI series with a relatively young squad. Their last 50-over assignment came in September when they defeated England 2-1 in the United Kingdom. However, several senior players from that series, including Aiden Markram and Kagiso Rabada, are missing this time. The Proteas will be captained by Matthew Breetzke, who leads an exciting new generation featuring Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, and Quinton de Kock. Despite being less experienced, this South African side carries enough firepower to challenge Pakistan in familiar conditions.
Key Players to Watch
Babar Azam (Pakistan):
Babar found form again in the final T20I, scoring a match-winning 68 off 47 balls. His record against South Africa is impressive, averaging 57.23 in ODIs. With Pakistan returning to home conditions, he will be the key figure in stabilizing and controlling the innings.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan):
Now leading the side, Shaheen’s new-ball spell will be vital. His early breakthroughs could set the tone for Pakistan. His leadership and ability to swing the ball under lights will make him one of the deciding factors.
Quinton de Kock (South Africa):
The veteran wicketkeeper-batter remains South Africa’s most experienced player in this young squad. His aggressive batting at the top can help the visitors get a strong start against Pakistan’s pace attack.
Dewald Brevis (South Africa):
The young sensation will be crucial in the middle order. Known for his explosive stroke play, Brevis could be the X-factor South Africa needs to counter Pakistan’s bowling.
Head-to-Head in ODIs
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Matches Played: 87
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Pakistan Wins: 34
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South Africa Wins: 52
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No Result: 1
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First Fixture: March 8, 1992 (SA won)
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Most Recent Fixture: February 12, 2025 (PAK won)
Pitch Report – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
After nearly two decades, the Iqbal Stadium will once again host an international fixture. Traditionally, the surface here has been balanced, offering something for both batters and bowlers. The average first innings score in ODIs is around 240-260. Teams batting first have won 9 of the 16 matches played here, indicating a slight advantage in setting a total. Spinners may come into play in the second innings as the pitch slows down.
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan:
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi (C), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke (C), Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
Probable Scenarios
Given the balance of both sides, the opening ODI is likely to be a competitive contest. Pakistan will rely on their strong batting depth and pace attack, while South Africa’s young side will aim to surprise the hosts through fearless cricket. If the pitch offers early swing, Shaheen and Naseem could make life difficult for the South African top order. However, if dew sets in later, batting second might become easier.
Match Prediction
With a strong batting order, home advantage, and an in-form captain in Shaheen Afridi, Pakistan are favorites to take a 1-0 lead in the series. South Africa’s inexperience could show under pressure, but they remain capable of springing an upset if their young guns fire.
Predicted Result: Pakistan to win the 1st ODI in Faisalabad.
