• Match: Pakistan vs South Africa( PAK vs SA ), 1st T20I Match, South Africa tour of Pakistan, 2025
• Date and Time: October 28,  03:00 pm GMT / 08:30 pm IST / 08:00 pm local time
• Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi

Who will win the toss? – South Africa
Who will win the match? – Pakistan

Pakistan( PAK ) is set to face South Africa( SA ) in their 1st T20I match during the South Africa tour of Pakistan, 2025. This match is scheduled to take place at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 28.

In the batting department, Pakistan will look to their top order — Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Usman Khan, Babar Azam, and skipper Salman Agha — to set the tone with the bat.

Since January 2025, Salman Agha has been Pakistan’s most consistent performer in T20s, leading the team’s run charts with 511 runs in 26 matches at a strike rate of 114.57, including four half-centuries.

On the bowling front, the team will rely on Shaheen Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Tariq, and Abrar Ahmed to provide crucial breakthroughs. Left-arm spinner Mohammad Nawaz has been in fine form this year, picking up 22 wickets in 18 matches at an impressive economy rate of 6.67.

As for South Africa, their batting strength lies in openers Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brevis, Matthew Breetzke, and Donovan Ferreira — all capable of changing the game quickly.

Dewald Brevis has been particularly outstanding in 2025, topping South Africa’s T20 run charts with 340 runs in 11 matches at a blistering strike rate of 197.67.

In the bowling department, South Africa will bank on Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi, and Nqabayomzi Peter to keep the pressure on. Bosch has been one of their most reliable bowlers, claiming 10 wickets in eight matches at an economy rate of 8.32.

Pakistan: Salman Agha (c), Usman Khan (wk), Hasan Nawaz, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Abdul Samad, Saim Ayub, Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Afridi, Usman Tariq.

South Africa: Donovan Ferreira (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Dewald Brewis, Lhuan dre-Pretorius, Matthew Breetzke, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, George Linde and Nandre Burger.

Pakistan: W, L, W, W, L
South Africa: L, W, L, A, L

We’re hoping the team wins the toss and chooses to bowl first.

The pitch at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is generally excellent for T20 cricket, offering plenty of runs for batters while keeping bowlers interested early on. The surface is flat with good bounce and pace, allowing stroke-makers to play their shots freely, especially during the powerplay overs. Fast bowlers who pitch it up and use variations can find some movement in the first few overs, particularly under lights when there’s a hint of dew. However, as the match progresses, batting becomes easier and the ball comes nicely onto the bat, often leading to high-scoring encounters. Spinners don’t get much turn here but can be effective if they vary their pace and use the larger boundaries smartly. Teams batting first should aim for 180 or more to stay competitive, while chasing sides often benefit from the dew factor in the second innings. Overall, it’s a true batting wicket that promises an exciting, fast-paced contest.

The weather at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 28, 2025, at 8:00 PM local time is expected to be mild and pleasant, making for ideal cricketing conditions. The temperature will hover around 22°C, with hazy skies and a gentle evening breeze adding a touch of coolness to the air. There’s little to no chance of rain, ensuring uninterrupted play throughout the match. The humidity levels will remain moderate, and visibility should be good despite the light haze. Overall, it promises to be a comfortable evening for both players and fans, perfect for an exciting T20 encounter under the lights.

Sahibzada Farhan (Pakistan)
Farhan has been a steady performer at the top of the order for Pakistan. In his last 10 T20 matches, he has scored 251 runs at an average of 25.1 and a strike rate of 117.28, providing crucial starts and anchoring the innings when needed.

Mohammad Nawaz (Pakistan)
Known primarily for his bowling, Nawaz has also shown great promise with the bat. Over his recent 10 T20 appearances, he’s accumulated 187 runs at an average of 23.38 and a healthy 127.21 strike rate, making him a reliable lower-order contributor.

Dewald Brevis (South Africa)
One of South Africa’s most explosive young talents, Brevis has been in superb form. In 9 matches, he has smashed 299 runs at a stellar average of 42.71 and a strike rate nearing 193, consistently dominating opposition attacks with fearless hitting.

Lhuan-dre Pretorius (South Africa)
Pretorius brings aggressive intent at the top. He’s made 157 runs in 10 games at a 123.62 strike rate, and though he hasn’t yet produced big scores regularly, his attacking style makes him a threat in the powerplay overs.

Abrar Ahmed (Pakistan)
The mystery spinner continues to impress with his control and variations. In his recent 9 T20 outings, he has bagged 12 wickets with an impressive 4.88 economy rate and a strike rate of 17.33, often breaking key partnerships.

Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan)
Pakistan’s pace spearhead has maintained consistency both with the new ball and at the death. Across 10 matches, he has taken 12 wickets, maintaining a 6.34 economy rate, and remains a major threat with his swing and yorkers.

Corbin Bosch (South Africa)
Bosch has emerged as a key bowler for South Africa in recent T20s. In 7 matches, he’s claimed 10 wickets with a 14.4 strike rate and an economy of 8.21, proving his knack for striking in crucial moments.

Lungi Ngidi (South Africa)
Ngidi’s experience and control make him a valuable asset in the powerplay and at the death. He’s picked up 6 wickets in his last 6 T20 games at an economy of 7.81, and his variations could test any batting lineup.

1st Innings Expected Score: 175–190
2nd Innings Expected Score: 160–175

• The pitch remains good for batting throughout, but chasing under dew can become easier if it sets in.
• Pacers who hit hard lengths could get early movement, especially in the first 2–3 overs.
• Spinners might find some grip in the middle overs, particularly if the surface dries up.
• A competitive total here would be around 180+, with stroke-makers expected to dominate the powerplays.