PAK vs SA 1st T20I: Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
By Chirag - Oct 28, 2025 02:04 PM
Last updated on Oct 28, 2025 02:05 PM
The much-anticipated T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa kicks off on October 28, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. After a gripping Test series that ended 1-1, both teams now shift their focus to the shortest format, aiming to finalize their combinations ahead of the T20 World Cup 2026, scheduled to be held in India and Sri Lanka.
| Series | South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025 |
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| Match | Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st T20I |
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| Date | October 28, 2025 |
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| Time | 8:30 PM IST |
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| Venue | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi |
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| Live Streaming | FanCode |
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Match Preview
Pakistan will enter the opening T20I with high morale after ending South Africa’s impressive 10-match unbeaten Test streak with a dominant victory in Lahore. Under the lights of Rawalpindi, Pakistan’s fiery pace trio - Shaheen Shah Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah - will be eager to exploit the evening conditions that often assist fast bowlers with early swing and bounce.
On the batting front, the hosts will rely heavily on Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, and Sahibzada Farhan to set the tone at the top, while Salman Ali Agha and Saim Ayub will look to stabilize the middle order.
For the visitors, South Africa brings an explosive T20 lineup led by Donovan Ferreira. With power hitters like David Miller, Dewald Brevis, and Matthew Breetzke, the Proteas possess the firepower to challenge Pakistan’s bowling depth. Their bowling attack, spearheaded by Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, and Keshav Maharaj, is well-balanced with both pace and spin options.
Head-to-Head Record in T20Is: PAK vs SA
| Team | Matches Won |
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| Pakistan (PAK) | 12 |
| South Africa (SA) | 12 |
Also Read: Shreyas Iyer Admitted to ICU After Rib Injury in 3rd ODI vs Australia
- Weather Report: The weather in Rawalpindi is expected to remain clear and sunny with no threat of rain. Ideal conditions are predicted for a full 40-over contest.
- Pitch Report: The pitch at Rawalpindi offers something for everyone — seamers can extract early movement with the new ball, while batters can play their shots once they settle in. As the game progresses, the pitch may dry up, allowing spinners to come into play with some turn and grip.
Probable Playing 11:
Pakistan (PAK) Playing 11:
1. Sahibzada Farhan, 2. Fakhar Zaman, 3. Babar Azam, 4. Mohammad Haris, 5. Salman Ali Agha (c), 6. Saim Ayub, 7. Faheem Ashraf, 8. Shaheen Afridi, 9. Haris Rauf, 10. Naseem Shah, 11. Abrar Ahmed
South Africa (SA) Playing 11:
1. Quinton de Kock, 2. Lhuan-dre Pretorius, 3. Reeza Hendricks, 4. Matthew Breetzke, 5. Dewald Brevis, 6. Donovan Ferreira (c), 7. Corbin Bosch, 8. George Linde, 9. Lungi Ngidi, 10. Nandre Burger, 11. Kwena Maphaka
Who Will Win Today’s Match? (AI Prediction)
Both teams are evenly matched on paper, but home advantage gives Pakistan a slight edge. The Rawalpindi surface is familiar to their bowlers, especially the pace trio, who could trouble South Africa’s top order under lights.
However, if South Africa’s power hitters like Brevis and Miller fire early, the visitors could swing the game their way.
AI Prediction: Pakistan to win the 1st T20I - Probability: 60% Pakistan | 40% South Africa.
Also Read: UAE vs USA: Pitch Report, Head-to-Head, Playing 11, AI Prediction
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