Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test 2025 Match Preview and Prediction: Pakistan will take on South Africa in the first Test of the two-match series, starting October 12, 2025, at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan is returning to Test cricket after a nine-month break and will be looking to regain its form at home. Meanwhile, South Africa will enter this series as a strong contender after winning the ICC Test Championship Final 2025 against Australia at Lord’s.
Here’s a detailed look at the team’s form, key players, pitch analysis, weather forecast, and match prediction.
PAK vs SA Match Details – 1st Test 2025
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Match | Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Test 2025 |
| Date | October 12, 2025 |
| Time | 9:30 AM IST |
| Venue | Gaddafi Cricket Stadium, Lahore |
| Live Streaming | PTV Sports / Disney+ Hotstar |
| Format | Test Match |
PAK vs SA Match Preview & Team Analysis – 1st Test
Pakistan (PAK) Team Preview
After a mixed start in 2025, Pakistan will be eager to return to red-ball cricket. New faces like Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram, and Rohail Nazir have been included to strengthen their team.
Batting:
The top order consists of Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, and Babar Azam, while Saud Shakeel and Mohammad Rizwan provide stability in the middle order. Consistency will be crucial against South Africa’s potent fast bowling attack.
Bowling:
Pakistan’s bowling will centre on Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali, supported by spinners Nauman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Sajid Khan, who will look to take advantage of the home conditions.
Pakistan Playing XI:
Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Salman Agha, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Abrar Ahmed, Sajid Khan, Nauman Ali
Key Players:
Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, Mohammad Rizwan
South Africa (SA) Team Review
South Africa enters this series with confidence after defeating Australia to win the ICC Test Championship trophy. Led by Aiden Markram in place of the injured Temba Bavuma, the South African team is well-balanced.
Batting:
Markram, Ryan Rickelton, and David Bedingham form a strong top order. Middle-order batsmen like Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Warne add depth and flexibility to the team.
Bowling:
South Africa’s biggest strength is its attack, with Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and Corbin Bosch leading the pace department. Spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer will target Pakistan’s middle order on this turning pitch.
South Africa Playing XI:
Aiden Markram (captain), Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Corbin Bosch
Key Players:
Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen
PAK vs. SA Pitch Report – Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Pitch Condition: Balanced towards the end of the match, favourable for spinners
- Batting: Good for batting on days 1-2; Sharp turn from day three
- Fast bowling: Some bounce and reverse swing in the first innings
- Spin bowling: Increasing turn and variable bounce from day three
- Toss advantage: Teams prefer to bat first
- Average first innings score: Around 320-350 runs
Pakistan vs South Africa Weather Forecast – Lahore (5 days)
| Time | Temperature | Rain | Wind Speed | Direction | Conditions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 09:00 AM | 30°C | 0 mm | 2.2 km/h | NNW | Sunny, clear skies |
| 12:00 PM | 31°C | 0 mm | 2.3 km/h | NNE | Warm, light breeze |
| 03:00 PM | 29°C | 0 mm | 1.8 km/h | ENE | Bright sunshine |
| 06:00 PM | 26°C | 0 mm | 1.6 km/h | ESE | Cool breeze |
| 09:00 PM | 23°C | 0 mm | 1.3 km/h | SE | Clear night |
Conditions: Dry and sunny throughout the day; ideal for batting on the first two days.
Victory Prediction – Who will win the first Test in Pakistan vs South Africa 2025?
Pakistan will rely heavily on their home ground and spin bowling to trouble South Africa. However, South Africa’s form, experience, and fast bowling attack make them strong contenders.
Prediction: South Africa will win the first Test and take a 1-0 lead in the series.
