The much-anticipated Test series between Pakistan and South Africa begins on October 12, 2025, in Lahore as part of the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle.
The series marks South Africa’s return to Pakistan for red-ball cricket after four years, promising an exciting contest between two top-tier teams.
In the second South Africa Test, Pakistan wins the toss and chooses to bat first.
Asif Afridi, 38, makes his Pakistani debut.
In the second test of a two-match series, which is a part of the ICC Test Championship 2025–27, Pakistan chose to bat first against South Africa after winning the toss at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
The hosts are leading the series against the defending champions 1-0 after securing a 93-run victory in the Lahore Test, led by Noman Ali, who picked up a 10-wicket haul in the match.
Pakistan made one change as 38-year-old Asif Afridi replaced pacer Hasan Ali to make his debut for the country. The One Day International (ODI) and Twenty20 International (T20I) series will feature both teams in their respective playing XIs.
The three-match T20I series will kick off on October 28 and culminate on November 1. The opening game will be staged in Rawalpindi, while the remaining two will be played at Gaddafi Stadium.
The tour will wrap up with a three-match ODI series, scheduled from November 4 to 8, with all games to be held at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad.
Pakistan vs South Africa — 1st Test (Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore) — Scorecard (summary)
Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs.
Innings
- Pakistan 1st innings: 378 all out.
- South Africa 1st innings: 269 all out.
- Pakistan 2nd innings: 167 all out.
- South Africa 2nd innings (chasing 277): 183 all out.
Key performers
- Player of the Match: Noman Ali—match haul: 10 wickets (match-winning spinner).
- With a four-wicket burst to end the match, Shaheen Shah Afridi was a key player in the second innings.
- Tony de Zorzi (SA): key bat for South Africa—81* in the first innings.
- Brevis (SA): counter-attacking 54 in the 2nd innings before Noman dismissed him.
- Senuran Muthusamy (SA): notable bowling across the match (reported as a foremost wicket-taker for the Proteas).
Short match narrative
Pakistan posted a strong first-innings total (378) with important fifties from their top order; South Africa were fragile on a turning, crumbly Lahore track and were bowled out twice (269 & 183).
Noman Ali’s spin and Shaheen’s reverse-swing with the old ball were decisive — Pakistan defended a target of 277 and wrapped up a 93-run victory, ending South Africa’s recent winning streak.
Scorecard – Day 3 (Stumps)
Match: Pakistan vs. South Africa, 1st Test, Lahore.
Innings & Scores:
- Pakistan: 1st Innings 378 & 2nd Innings 167
- South Africa: 1st Innings 269 & 2nd Innings 51/2 (22 overs)
Target: South Africa needs 226 more runs to win.
Noman’s Stellar Spinning Puts Pakistan in Command
Spinner Noman Ali delivered a sensational performance on Day 3, picking up six wickets in the first innings (6-112) and two more in South Africa’s second innings. His bowling spell was crucial in turning the game firmly in Pakistan’s favor.
De Zorzi’s Century in Vain
Despite the collapse surrounding him, Tony de Zorzi showed resilience by converting his overnight 81 into a fighting 104, becoming the backbone of South Africa’s innings before falling to Noman’s spin.
Pakistan’s Follow-On Threat Looms
Pakistan’s second innings saw a dramatic collapse. Chasing pressure, they were dismissed for 167, leaving South Africa with a daunting 277-run target to win the match.
South Africa Staring at Uphill Chase
At stumps, South Africa was 51 for 2 in 22 overs, with Ryan Rickelton (29*) and De Zorzi still at the crease. They needed 226 more runs with eight wickets in hand—still a steep climb on a turning pitch.
Turning Point: 16 Wickets in One Day
Day 3 witnessed 16 wickets fall, making it the defining “moving day” in this Test match. The Spinners dominated, reversing the momentum heavily in Pakistan’s favor.
Scorecard (Day 1) – Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Test
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Toss: Pakistan elected to bat first
| Team | Innings | Score | Overs | Wickets Down |
| Pakistan | 1st | 313 / 5 | 90.0 | 5 |
Top Performers (Batting–Pakistan):
- Mohammad Rizwan: 62* off 107
- Salman Agha: 52 off 83
- Imam-ul-Haq: 93 off 153
- Shan Masood: 76 off 147
Bowling for South Africa:
- Senuran Muthusamy: 26 overs, 2 wickets, 101 runs
- Simon Harmer: 28 overs, 1 wicket, 75 runs
Pakistan Win Toss, Elect to Bat First Against South Africa in Opening Test
Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bat first in the opening Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
The decision reflects Pakistan’s confidence in its batting lineup and its belief that the pitch will offer favourable conditions early on before helping spinners later in the match.
With Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Imam-ul-Haq set to anchor the innings, Pakistan aims to post a strong first-innings total.
South Africa, led by Aiden Markram, will look to strike early with their pace attack to put pressure on Pakistan, which aims to exert pressure on South Africa in this crucial World Test Championship encounter.
Pakistan Prepares Spin-Friendly Conditions
According to team officials, Pakistan is preparing spin-dominant pitches in Lahore and Rawalpindi to take advantage of home conditions.
Interim head coach Azhar Mahmood emphasised that the team’s strategy focuses on achieving results rather than endure dull draws. Spin duo Noman Ali and Sajid Khan are expected to play key roles.
Key Squad Announcements and Comebacks
Several big names are returning to Pakistan’s squad. Shaheen Shah Afridi rejoins the team after recovering from injury, while Imam-ul-Haq has been recalled due to his impressive performance in the domestic season.
Shan Masood continues to lead the side, with Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan forming the backbone This will affect the batting order.
On the other hand, South Africa will be without injured captain Temba Bavuma and spinner Keshav Maharaj, with Aiden Markram stepping in as stand-in captain.
South Africa Confident Despite Conditions
South Africa’s captain, Aiden Markram, stated that his team is ready to face Pakistan’s spin threat, calling the conditions a “fair challenge”.
The Proteas held a special training camp focused on playing spin, showing their intent to adapt and compete strongly in subcontinental conditions.
Pakistan Eye Redemption in New WTC Cycle
Pakistan had a disappointing previous World Test Championship run, finishing at the bottom of the table.
The home series against South Africa offers a golden opportunity to start the new cycle on a positive note.
The team’s management has urged players to stay disciplined and focused, especially in the bowling department.
Players Under Pressure to Perform
Star pacer Shaheen Afridi and captain Shan Masood are under scrutiny after recent inconsistent performances.
Experts believe that a poor performance in this series could raise questions about leadership and team selection ahead of future fixtures.
Head-to-Head and Historical Stats
Historically, South Africa has consistently outperformed Pakistan in Test encounters. Out of 28 tests, South Africa has won 15 and Pakistan 6, while 7 ended in draws.
However, Pakistan’s recent home record and confidence in local conditions make the coming clash more evenly balanced.
Anticipation Builds Ahead of the Opening Test
Fans across both nations eagerly await the first Test, expecting a thrilling contest between Pakistan’s spinners and South Africa’s aggressive batters.
With both teams aiming to make a strong start in the new WTC cycle, the upcoming series promises drama, intensity, and world-class cricket action.