Pakistan will take on South Africa in the second and final Test of the two-match series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, starting October 20, 2025. The home side leads the series 1-0 after a memorable 93-run win in Lahore and will be eager to complete a clean sweep against the reigning World Test Champions.
Match Details:
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Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd Test 2025
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Date: October 20–24, 2025
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Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
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Time: 10:00 AM (Local Time)
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Series: South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025 (2 Tests)
Team Overview
Pakistan:
Pakistan come into the second Test high on confidence after stunning South Africa in Lahore. The spinners, Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, completely dismantled the Proteas’ batting line-up with their sharp turn and accuracy. Noman Ali’s match-winning 10-wicket haul earned him Player of the Match honors. Captain Shan Masood led the team smartly, rotating his bowlers effectively and managing the middle-order stability through Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel. With the same squad available and no injury concerns, Pakistan are expected to field a largely unchanged XI, though there might be a slight shuffle in the pace department with Hasan Ali and Aamer Jamal both in contention.
South Africa:
The visitors, led by Aiden Markram, have plenty to fix after their defeat in Lahore. Their batting faltered against Pakistan’s spin attack, with only Dewald Brevis showing resistance with a brisk 54. The Proteas will need stronger contributions from the top order — especially Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton — to stay competitive. Their bowlers, too, failed to build consistent pressure. Marco Jansen might return to strengthen the pace unit, while David Bedingham could replace the struggling Tristan Stubbs in the middle order.
Head-to-Head Record
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Total Matches: 31
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Pakistan Wins: 7
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South Africa Wins: 17
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Drawn: 7
Despite Pakistan’s first-Test victory, South Africa still hold a historical edge over Pakistan in Tests. However, the recent home dominance of Pakistan gives them a psychological advantage heading into this fixture.
Key Players to Watch
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Pakistan: Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi
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South Africa: Aiden Markram, Dewald Brevis, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen
Probable Playing XI
Pakistan:
Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (C), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (WK), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Ali/Aamer Jamal, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan
South Africa:
Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram (C), David Bedingham/Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer/Marco Jansen
Pitch and Weather Report
The Rawalpindi pitch is known for its dry, abrasive surface that initially helps fast bowlers before gradually assisting spinners. Batting will be comfortable for the first two days, but cracks and rough patches could appear by Day 3, making spin a key weapon later on.
Weather conditions will remain clear with temperatures between 29°C and 31°C and mild humidity levels. No rain interruptions are expected, ensuring five full days of play. A first-innings total of around 300–350 will be competitive, while batting last could be extremely challenging as the surface deteriorates.
Live Streaming Details
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Pakistan: PTV Sports, ARY ZAP app
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India: Live streaming on FanCode app and website
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South Africa: SuperSport TV and SuperSport App
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UK: TNT Sports
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Australia: Fox Cricket and Kayo Sports
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USA: Willow TV
Probable Match Scenarios
If Pakistan win the toss, they are likely to bat first and take advantage of the fresh wicket. Their spinners could again prove decisive on a wearing pitch. South Africa, on the other hand, will rely on early wickets from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen to put pressure on Pakistan’s top order. Batting depth and handling spin will be crucial for the visitors if they want to bounce back and level the series.
Match Prediction
Pakistan head into the Rawalpindi Test as favorites. Their spin combination of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan looks in lethal form, and with Shaheen Afridi’s reverse swing in support, they have the ideal attack for home conditions. South Africa possess quality and resilience, but their struggles against spin could once again haunt them.
Prediction: Pakistan to win the 2nd Test and seal the series 2–0.