Pakistan and South Africa are all set to begin their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign with the first Test starting on October 12, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore. The match will start at 10:00 AM IST and continue till October 16.
Match Details:
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Series: South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025
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Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Test
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Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Dates: October 12–16, 2025
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Time: 10:00 AM IST
Team Overview
Pakistan
Pakistan will enter the series looking to make a strong start at home in the new WTC cycle. With Shan Masood as captain, the team will rely heavily on their experienced batting core — Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Abdullah Shafique. Their new spin strategy at home has worked in recent years, where they prepare slow and low wickets that favor spinners from Day 2 onwards.
Pakistan have also included a few fresh names in the squad, such as Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir, to strengthen their depth. Their bowling lineup, led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, Noman Ali, and Abrar Ahmed, looks balanced for home conditions. Despite their inconsistency abroad, Pakistan have been solid in home Tests and will look to capitalize on this advantage.
South Africa
South Africa, the current WTC mace holders, face a tough challenge on this subcontinental tour. Their regular skipper, Temba Bavuma, is out due to injury, and Aiden Markram will lead the side. Injuries have also hit their spin department, with Keshav Maharaj unavailable. The team will rely on Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy for spin duties.
Their pace attack, featuring Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, remains their strongest weapon. However, adapting to Pakistani conditions and tackling quality spin bowling will be the real test. The South African batting unit is relatively inexperienced, which could prove to be a major challenge on turning pitches.
Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other in 30 Test matches so far.
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South Africa wins: 17
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Pakistan wins: 6
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Draws: 7
South Africa have historically dominated Pakistan, but home conditions in Lahore could tilt the balance in Pakistan’s favor this time.
Pitch Report
The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is generally a good batting surface for the first day. However, with Pakistan’s recent trend of preparing spin-friendly tracks, the wicket is expected to get slower and start turning from Day 2 onwards. The cracks will open up, offering assistance to spinners like Noman Ali and Abrar Ahmed. Winning the toss and batting first will be crucial, as batting in the fourth innings is likely to be very difficult.
Weather Report
The weather in Lahore during the Test is expected to be bright and sunny. The temperature will range between 27°C and 30°C with light winds and humidity around 50–65%. There are no major rain threats, so a full five-day game is expected.
Live Streaming Details
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TV Broadcast (India): Sony Sports Network
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Digital (India): SonyLIV app and website
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Pakistan: PTV Sports and ARY ZAP app
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South Africa: SuperSport TV and app
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UK: Sky Sports Cricket
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Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports
Probable Playing XIs
Pakistan (Probable XI)
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Shan Masood (C)
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Abdullah Shafique
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Babar Azam
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Saud Shakeel
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Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
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Salman Ali Agha
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Noman Ali
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Abrar Ahmed
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Shaheen Shah Afridi
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Khurram Shahzad
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Aamir Jamal
South Africa (Probable XI)
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Aiden Markram (C)
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Ryan Rickelton (WK)
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David Bedingham
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Tristan Stubbs
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Wiaan Mulder
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Marco Jansen
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Senuran Muthusamy
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Simon Harmer
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Kagiso Rabada
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Corbin Bosch
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Lungi Ngidi
Key Players to Watch
Pakistan:
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Babar Azam: The team’s most reliable batter, known for handling spin well.
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Noman Ali: Expected to exploit home conditions with turn and accuracy.
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Shaheen Afridi: His ability to pick early wickets can set the tone.
South Africa:
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Aiden Markram: As captain, his form with the bat will be vital.
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Kagiso Rabada: Can create pressure with both new ball and reverse swing.
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Simon Harmer: Will be crucial on turning surfaces.
Probable Match Scenarios
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Pakistan bat first, post a big total, and dominate through spin from Day 2 onward.
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South Africa struggle early but fight back through their pace attack if they restrict Pakistan under 300.
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If South Africa’s batters handle spin well, the match could move toward a draw.
However, the more likely scenario is that Pakistan’s spinners will take control once the pitch starts breaking.
Match Prediction
Pakistan have a strong advantage at home with a spin-heavy lineup and a confident batting order. South Africa’s inexperience in Asian conditions and the absence of key players make things difficult for them. If Pakistan win the toss and bat first, they are likely to dictate terms throughout the match.
Prediction: Pakistan to win the 1st Test by 5–7 wickets or an innings margin.
With this win, Pakistan would make a strong statement at the start of their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign.