PAK vs SA Pitch Report: The first Test between Pakistan and South Africa will be played from October 12, 2025, at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium, Lahore.
Pakistan return to red-ball cricket after almost nine months, having drawn their last home series against the West Indies. The hosts will look to deliver a strong all-round performance under Shan Masood’s captaincy.
South Africa, on the other hand, arrive as the favourites after winning the ICC Test Championship Final against Australia. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas will aim to continue their dominant Test form on Asian soil.
Let’s take a detailed look at the PAK vs SA pitch report, weather forecast, and match prediction for Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test 2025.
Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report – PAK vs SA
The surface at Gaddafi Cricket Stadium traditionally offers assistance to both spinners and pacers. Batting will be easier in the first two days, but as the match progresses, spinners are expected to come into play due to the dry conditions.
The average first-innings score at this venue is around 320–350 runs. Teams batting first usually hold an advantage as the pitch tends to slow down later.
Batting Conditions
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Top-order players like Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Aiden Markram will be crucial in building long partnerships.
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Early in the innings, the pitch allows smooth stroke play, but by Day 3, the bounce becomes uneven.
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Batters will need to stay patient and play late against the spinners.
Fast Bowling Conditions
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Pacers like Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, and Kagiso Rabada will get movement with the new ball, especially in morning sessions.
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Reverse swing may become a key factor from Day 3 onwards due to Lahore’s dry air.
Spin Bowling Conditions
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As the Test progresses, spinners like Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Simon Harmer will enjoy turn and bounce.
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Expect low bounce and slow turn by Day 4 and 5, making spin the main weapon.
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Toss Prediction – Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test
The team winning the toss will likely choose to bat first.
The previous Test at this venue was won by the side batting first, and the pitch tends to deteriorate later in the match.
Key Pitch Insights for PAK vs SA 1st Test
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The pitch offers good bounce early and turns later.
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The average first innings score: 320–350 runs.
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Batting becomes tougher after Day 3 due to the presence of cracks and dryness.
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Spinners will have a big say in the result.
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The toss-winning captain should bat first.
PAK vs SA Weather Report – Lahore
| Time (PKT) | Temperature (°C) | Rain (mm) | Wind Speed (km/h) | Wind Direction | Cloud Cover (%) | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 00:00 | 22 | 0 | 0.5 | NW | 0 | Clear sky |
| 06:00 | 30 | 0 | 1.1 | WNW | 0 | Sunny |
| 12:00 | 29 | 0 | 2.3 | NNE | 0 | Clear, dry |
| 18:00 | 24 | 0 | 1.6 | ESE | 0 | Pleasant evening |
Weather Summary:
The conditions will remain sunny and dry throughout all five days. No rain is expected, making it a perfect setting for a full five-day Test.
PAK vs SA Win Prediction
Pakistan will depend heavily on Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi to deliver key performances at home. However, South Africa’s balanced squad — with Markram, Rabada, and Jansen in form — makes them the stronger side.
Prediction: South Africa to win and take a 1–0 lead in the series.
