Pakistan vs South Africa T20I Match Preview – 1st November 2025, 15:00 GMT

As the South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025 reaches a pivotal stage, the third and final T20I of the series takes center stage at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on 1st November 2025 at 15:00 GMT. With the series finely poised at 1-1, this match promises to be a thrilling encounter between two high-octane T20I sides vying for the series lead.

Match Context

The T20I series has already showcased the best of both teams. In the first T20I in Rawalpindi, Pakistan made a strong statement with a convincing win, while South Africa bounced back with a commanding display in Lahore. The third T20I in Lahore will not only be crucial for the series outcome but will also serve as a key indicator of how both teams are shaping up for the upcoming ODI series.

Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore

Lahore has always been a fortress for Pakistan in T20 internationals, with the high-scoring pitches and electric home support creating a daunting challenge for touring teams. South Africa will need to be at their best to avoid falling to a third defeat in the series.

Teams & Squads

Pakistan T20I Squad (2025)

• Captain: TBA (likely Babar Azam or Mohammad Rizwan)
• Key Players:
  • Babar Azam – The world’s best T20I batsman, known for his consistency and ability to anchor the innings.
  • Mohammad Rizwan (wk) – A destructive opener and reliable finisher with the bat.
  • Shaheen Shah Afridi – The premier fast bowler in the format, with match-winning abilities in the death overs.
  • Haris Rauf – A pace spearhead with a lethal yorker.
  • Abrar Ahmed – A wily off-spinner who can change the course of a game.

South Africa T20I Squad (2025)

• Captain: David Miller
• Key Players:
  • Quinton de Kock – A dynamic opener with explosive power-hitting capabilities.
  • David Miller – The captain and one of the most experienced T20 finishers in the world.
  • Lungi Ngidi – A pace merchant with great control and accuracy.
  • Dewald Brevis – A rising star with a brilliant all-round game.
  • Gerald Coetzee – A left-arm pacer with a sharp bouncer and seam movement.

Head-to-Head (T20I)

• Matches Played: 24
• Pakistan Wins: 12
• South Africa Wins: 12
• No Result: 0

The rivalry remains evenly contested, adding more spice to this encounter. Given the home advantage and the crowd support, Pakistan will be slight favorites, but South Africa’s balanced squad and recent form cannot be overlooked.

Key Match-ups to Watch

Babar Azam vs Lungi Ngidi

Azam has the ability to dominate fast bowlers, and Ngidi will be under pressure to contain him. A tight battle in the first few overs could set the tone for the match.

Quinton de Kock vs Shaheen Shah Afridi

If de Kock starts well, it could be a nightmare for Pakistan’s bowlers. However, Afridi’s ability to strike at crucial moments could be the difference.

Spin vs Bat

With the Lahore pitch likely to assist spin, the battle between Pakistan’s Abrar Ahmed and South Africa’s Simon Harmer or Keshav Maharaj could be a turning point in the middle overs.

Weather Forecast

As of the latest updates, Lahore is expected to have sunny weather with temperatures around 28°C, ideal conditions for a high-scoring T20I. No rain is forecasted, so a full game is on the cards.

Prediction

This match is a must-win for both teams. Pakistan, with the home advantage and a strong batting lineup, are slight favorites. However, South Africa’s balanced squad and David Miller’s leadership mean they are never out of contention. A total in the 180s could be the benchmark, and the team that executes better in the death overs is likely to win.

Where to Watch

The match will be broadcast live on PTV Sports in Pakistan. International viewers can catch the action through Sky Sports, SonyLIV, or via live streaming platforms such as ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz.

Final Verdict:
Pakistan vs South Africa T20I, 1st November 2025, promises to be a high-stakes encounter with both teams looking to gain the upper hand in the series. With Lahore’s electric atmosphere, this is set to be a cracker of a match in the heart of Pakistan’s cricketing capital.
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