Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test Match Preview (October 12, 2025)

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
Date: October 12 to 16, 2025
Toss Time: 10:00 AM IST
Match Start: 10:30 AM IST / 06:00 GMT
Part of: ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 cycle

Match Overview

The Pakistan cricket team is set to begin its ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign with a highly anticipated two-Test series against South Africa. The first Test will take place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, starting on Sunday, October 12, 2025. This will be the first Test match for Pakistan since January 2025 and marks the start of South Africa’s multi-format tour of Pakistan, which will include three ODIs and three T20Is after the Tests.

South Africa, the defending WTC champions, will be without their full-time skipper Temba Bavuma, who has been ruled out due to a calf strain. Aiden Markram will take over the captaincy in his absence. Additionally, spinner Keshav Maharaj will miss the first Test.

Team Form & Expectations

Pakistan

Pakistan will be relying on their experienced core, led by captain Shan Masood. The team will look to Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, and Saud Shakeel to provide stability in the middle order. In the bowling department, Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali are expected to play crucial roles, especially with reverse-swing on offer in Lahore's conditions.

The return to red-ball cricket after a long break presents an opportunity for Pakistan to test their depth and build momentum in the WTC cycle.

South Africa

Despite missing key personnel, South Africa will enter the match with confidence, having won the last Test series in Pakistan in 2021. Aiden Markram will be under pressure to lead effectively in Bavuma's absence. The Proteas' batting lineup, featuring Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, and Dewald Brevis, has the potential to dominate on a batting-friendly pitch.

In the bowling department, Kagiso Rabada remains a potent threat, and the return of Simon Harmer could provide much-needed control in the spin department, especially in the later stages of the match.

Head-to-Head Record

• Total Matches: 30
• Pakistan Wins: 6
• South Africa Wins: 17
• Draws: 7

South Africa has the upper hand in the historical Test record between the two sides, having won 17 of the 30 encounters.

Gaddafi Stadium Pitch Report

The Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is known for its batting-friendly surface, often favoring teams batting second. Out of the 41 Tests played here, teams chasing have won 15 matches compared to just four for teams batting first. The pitch tends to stay true for the majority of the game but can assist spinners and reverse-swing bowlers in the final sessions, making it a fascinating surface for the Test format.

Probable Playing XIs

Pakistan

1. Shan Masood (c)
2. Imam-ul-Haq
3. Babar Azam
4. Kamran Ghulam
5. Saud Shakeel
6. Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
7. Salman Ali Agha
8. Shaheen Shah Afridi
9. Sajid Khan
10. Noman Ali
11. Abrar Ahmed

South Africa

1. Aiden Markram (c)
2. Ryan Rickelton
3. Wiaan Mulder
4. Tristan Stubbs
5. David Bedingham
6. Dewald Brevis
7. Kyle Verreynne (wk)
8. Senuran Muthusamy
9. Prenelan Subrayen
10. Kagiso Rabada
11. Simon Harmer

Broadcast & Streaming Details

• India: FanCode app & website
• Pakistan: A Sports, Ten Sports (TV) | Tamasha & Tapmad (streaming)
• Global Viewers: Willow TV, SuperSport, Dialog TV, TSports

The match will be broadcast with high-definition coverage, including 28 cameras, buggy cams, and support from technologies like HawkEye and UltraEdge. A pre-match studio show will be hosted by Zainab Abbas for Pakistani viewers.

Key Takeaways

• Pakistan will be eager to start their WTC campaign on a positive note.
• South Africa, despite missing key players, will aim to continue their dominance in Test cricket in Pakistan.
• Gaddafi Stadium’s predictable yet competitive pitch could play a pivotal role in the outcome.
• The absence of Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj may influence South Africa's strategy and fielding placements.

Conclusion

This first Test of the South Africa tour of Pakistan promises to be an exciting clash of styles and strategies. Pakistan will be looking to make a strong statement in their home conditions, while South Africa aims to continue their successful record in the subcontinent. With the WTC cycle in focus, both teams will enter the match with high stakes and a determination to win.

Make sure to tune in for what promises to be a thrilling four-day contest at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
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