Pakistan and South Africa are all set to clash in the second One-Day International (ODI) at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on Wednesday, November 6. The hosts will look to seal the three-match series after edging out South Africa in a thrilling opening contest that went down to the final over.
Match Details:
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Fixture: Pakistan (PAK) vs South Africa (SA), 2nd ODI, South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025
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Date: Wednesday, November 6, 2025
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Time: 2:30 PM (PST)
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Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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Broadcast: PTV Sports, Ten Sports
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Live Streaming: ARYZAP and Tamasha (Pakistan), SuperSport (South Africa), and Willow TV (USA)
Match Overview
Pakistan, under the leadership of Shaheen Shah Afridi, started their ODI campaign on a high by winning the first match by two wickets. The thrilling encounter saw Pakistan chase down 263 runs in the final over, thanks to crucial partnerships and composed performances in pressure moments. While Pakistan will be eager to clinch the series with a win in the second ODI, South Africa will be equally motivated to level the series and force a decider in the third match.
In the opening ODI, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha stood out with their valuable contributions of 55 and 62 runs respectively, while Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub gave Pakistan a solid start. Despite a middle-order collapse, Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah ensured Pakistan crossed the line in a tense finish. On the bowling front, Naseem Shah (3/40) and Abrar Ahmed (3/53) impressed with discipline and variations, restricting South Africa to a manageable total despite Quinton de Kock’s fluent 72.
Team Overviews
Pakistan:
Pakistan’s key focus going into the second ODI will be maintaining consistency. The top order has looked stable, but the middle order will need to convert starts into match-winning knocks. Haris Rauf remains unavailable due to suspension, which means Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah will continue to lead the pace attack with support from Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed. Playing at home, Pakistan will also look to build on their recent strong ODI record in familiar conditions.
Expected Playing XI:
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Hasan Nawaz, Salman Ali Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (C), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa:
The visitors will be disappointed with their narrow loss in the first ODI, but there were positives to take forward. Quinton de Kock’s experience at the top was valuable, while debutant Lhuan-dre Pretorius impressed with a composed 48. The Proteas will be without Dewald Brevis, who has been ruled out of the series due to a shoulder injury, but the inclusion of players like Matthew Breetzke and Donovan Ferreira gives depth to the batting lineup. South Africa will aim to strengthen their death bowling, which proved costly in the previous match.
Expected Playing XI:
Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock (WK), Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Sinethemba Qeshile, George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Corbin Bosch.
Head-to-Head Record
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Matches Played: 88
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South Africa Won: 52
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Pakistan Won: 35
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No Result: 1
While South Africa holds a superior overall record, Pakistan has dominated the recent meetings, winning all of their last five ODIs against the Proteas.
Pitch and Weather Report
The surface at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is traditionally good for batting, with a flat and dry nature that aids stroke-making. Pacers might find some early movement under lights, but once the ball gets older, run-scoring becomes easier. Spinners could play a crucial role in the middle overs as the pitch slows down.
The weather is expected to be dry and warm, with daytime temperatures around 31°C, dropping to 14°C by evening. There is no threat of rain, though air quality may remain poor. Conditions will still allow a full game, and the outfield is expected to be quick, making boundaries frequent.
Probable Scenarios
The toss will play a vital role. While the pitch remains good for batting, it tends to slow down later in the match. Captains may prefer to bat first, post a total above 280, and put the opposition under scoreboard pressure. However, teams chasing have found success at Faisalabad in recent years, so this decision will depend on dew and match conditions closer to game time.
Key Players to Watch
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Mohammad Rizwan (Pakistan): The wicketkeeper-batter continues to be Pakistan’s most reliable performer in the middle order.
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Naseem Shah (Pakistan): His control with the new ball and ability to strike in the middle overs make him a constant threat.
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Quinton de Kock (South Africa): The veteran opener’s experience and attacking approach will be key to South Africa’s top-order success.
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Lungi Ngidi (South Africa): With his variations and accuracy, Ngidi remains crucial in both powerplay and death overs.
Match Prediction
Pakistan holds a slight edge with home advantage, superior spin options, and the confidence from winning the first ODI. South Africa will fight hard, but their inexperience and injury setbacks may hurt them again. If Pakistan’s top order clicks and the bowlers maintain discipline, they are likely to clinch the series.
Prediction: Pakistan to win the 2nd ODI and seal the series 2-0.
