Pakistan and South Africa kick off their much-anticipated two-match Test series in Lahore on Sunday, October 12, 2025. The first Test at Gaddafi Stadium will also mark the start of Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 campaign.
Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, will aim to continue their strong record at home, while Aiden Markram’s South Africa return to Pakistani soil for the first time since 2021, when they were beaten 2-0. Fans can expect high-quality red-ball cricket, thrilling moments, and competitive bowling action over five days.
Here’s a complete preview with predictions, expected lineups, betting tips, best odds, and a live scorecard for the 1st Test between Pakistan and South Africa.
Explore live odds, predictions, and betting guides in the TSN betting section.
Pakistan vs. South Africa: Who Will Win?
Pakistan enter the first Test as slight favourites, thanks to home advantage, a strong batting lineup led by Babar Azam, and a potent spin attack. South Africa possess world-class pace in Kagiso Rabada, but their inexperience on subcontinental pitches could be costly.
Head-to-head record: Pakistan vs. South Africa in Test matches
Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other in 30 Test matches, with the Proteas dominating the rivalry. South Africa have claimed 17 victories, while Pakistan have won 6 games.
- Total matches: 30
- Pakistan wins: 6
- South Africa wins: 17
- Tied/No result: 7
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Pakistan vs. South Africa Form Guide & Predictions
Pakistan enter the first Test on the back of mixed results in recent matches, including a win and a loss against West Indies in their January 2025 series. South Africa, meanwhile, have been in strong form, dominating Zimbabwe in June-July 2025 and winning their last two Tests convincingly.
In head-to-head clashes, South Africa have the edge, winning three of the last five encounters against Pakistan.
Pakistan – Last 5 Matches (Test)
- Pakistan 230 & 157 beat West Indies 137 & 123 by 127 runs (Test)
- Pakistan 154 & 133 lost to West Indies 163 & 244 by 120 runs (Test)
- Pakistan 478/9d drew with New Zealand 266/6 (Test)
- Pakistan 438 lost to Australia 450/9d by innings (Test)
- Pakistan 310/9d drew with Sri Lanka 276/5 (Test)
South Africa – Last 5 Matches (Test)
- South Africa 418/9d & 369 beat Zimbabwe 251 & 208 by 328 runs (Test)
- South Africa 626/5d beat Zimbabwe 170 & 220 by innings and 236 runs (Test)
- South Africa 176 & 253 beat New Zealand 126 & 302 by 10 wickets (Test)
- South Africa 309 & 214/8 beat New Zealand 305 & 217 by 2 wickets (Test)
- South Africa 237 & 373 lost to Pakistan 272 & 298 by 95 runs (Test)
The Sporting News Prediction for PAK vs SA
- If Pakistan bat first: 350–370 runs
- If South Africa bat first: 320–340 runs
- Expected Result: South Africa to win by around 50–70 runs if Pakistan bat first, or by 6–7 wickets if chasing.
Pakistan vs. South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
Pakistan team news
Shan Masood will lead a balanced and in-form Pakistan side that looks confident heading into the series opener. The top order featuring Imam-ul-Haq and Babar Azam provides solidity, while Saud Shakeel and Kamran Ghulam strengthen the middle order.
Mohammad Rizwan adds depth and resilience with the bat. Pakistan’s spin trio of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed will be key on the turning Lahore pitch, supported by Shaheen Afridi’s pace and swing with the new ball. The hosts are expected to field an unchanged XI from their last outing.
Pakistan predicted playing 11: Shan Masood (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi
South Africa team news
Aiden Markram will captain a relatively inexperienced South African team that faces a tough challenge in subcontinental conditions. The batting lineup includes Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and David Bedingham, all of whom have limited exposure to Asian pitches.
The spin attack, led by Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy, lacks bite compared to Pakistan’s. Kagiso Rabada remains the spearhead of the bowling unit, but he will need strong support to make an impact on the slow Lahore surface.
South Africa predicted 11: Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada
Players to Watch – Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test
Babar Azam (Pakistan): Pakistan’s premier batter and former captain remains the backbone of their lineup. Known for his elegant stroke play and consistency, Babar will look to dominate South Africa’s bowling attack on home soil.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): The left-arm pacer leads Pakistan’s bowling unit with his trademark swing and aggression. His ability to strike early with the new ball could set the tone for the hosts in Lahore.
Kagiso Rabada (South Africa): South Africa’s pace spearhead brings world-class quality and experience. Rabada’s accuracy and pace will be crucial in testing Pakistan’s top order, especially in the early sessions with the new ball.
PAK vs. SA betting odds & predictions: Who has the edge?
According to Dafabet, Pakistan are slight favourites to win the first Test with odds of 1.69, while South Africa are priced at 2.17.
Odds* (click here to bet) | |
Pakistan | 1.69 |
South Africa | 2.17 |
TSN’s top 3 predictions
- Top Bowler: Shaheen Shah Afridi is expected to strike early with the new ball, potentially picking crucial wickets in Pakistan’s favor.
- Highest Team Total: Pakistan could score around 350–370 runs in their first innings on a spin-friendly Lahore pitch.
- First Dismissal Method: Likely caught behind or LBW, as seamers and spinners aim to exploit early movement and turn.
PAK vs. SA live scorecard: 1st Test
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Where to watch PAK vs. SA 1st Test in India
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Date & Time (IST): Sunday, October 12; 10:30 a.m
- Streaming Details: N/A
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