Pakistan vs South Africa 3rd ODI Match Preview – 8 November 2025

Match Details

• Date: Saturday, 8 November 2025
• Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
• Time: 10:00 AM GMT
• Series Status: South Africa lead 1-1 after South Africa won the second ODI by 8 wickets
• Format: One Day International (ODI)
• Toss Prediction: Pakistan
• Match Prediction: South Africa

Team Form and Strategy

Pakistan

Pakistan have shown glimpses of their potential in the series so far, particularly in the first ODI where they secured a narrow win. However, the second match exposed their batting frailties, with early dismissals and inconsistent performances. Salman Ali Agha has been the standout performer for Pakistan with the bat, and his ability to anchor the innings could be crucial.

The bowling unit, led by captain Shaheen Shah Afridi and supported by Naseem Shah and Mohammad Wasim Jr, needs to improve from the last match where they struggled to contain the South African middle order. With the conditions in Faisalabad typically favoring pace, Pakistan will look to exploit the early part of the innings with their fast bowlers.

South Africa

South Africa have made a strong case for themselves in the series with a clinical chase in the second ODI, where Quinton de Kock’s century and the aggressive batting of Lhuandre Pretorius and Tony de Zorzi sealed the win. Their top order has been in good form, and they look to continue with the same XI that worked well.

The bowling attack, led by Nandre Burger and supported by Corbin Bosch and Bjorn Fortuin, has been disciplined and effective, particularly with the new ball. South Africa will aim to post a high total on the back of their strong batting lineup before enforcing a tight chase with their balanced bowling attack.

Key Players to Watch

Pakistan

• Salman Ali Agha: The experienced opener has been Pakistan’s most reliable run-scorer in the series so far. His ability to play long innings and score quickly can be vital.
• Mohammad Nawaz: A consistent all-rounder, Nawaz offers valuable lower-order runs and control with the ball.
• Mohammad Wasim Jr: The left-arm seamer has been Pakistan’s most effective bowler in the series and could be the difference-maker.

South Africa

• Quinton de Kock: The Proteas’ opener has been in sensational form with the bat, contributing heavily in both ODIs.
• Nandre Burger: A key all-rounder, Burger has taken crucial wickets and could be pivotal in the bowling department.
• Corbin Bosch: Provides valuable support with both bat and ball, and has the ability to turn the game in the final overs.

Venue Insights – Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

• Average First Innings Score: 266.0 (2020–2025)
• Winning Percentage (Chasing): 100%
• Wickets per Innings: 9.5 (First), 5 (Second)
• Bowling Conditions: Favor fast bowlers; average economy rate of 5.41 for pace bowlers

The trend at Iqbal Stadium has been in favor of chasing teams, and both Pakistan and South Africa will look to capitalize on the high-scoring nature of the venue.

Squads

Pakistan

• Captain: Shaheen Shah Afridi
• Wicketkeeper: Mohammad Rizwan
• Openers: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub
• Middle Order: Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz
• Bowlers: Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Shaheen Shah Afridi

South Africa

• Captain: Matthew Breetzke
• Wicketkeeper: Quinton de Kock
• Openers: Quinton de Kock, Lhuandre Pretorius
• Middle Order: Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Sinethemba Qeshile
• Bowlers: Nandre Burger, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin

Match Predictions

Final Thoughts

This final ODI promises to be a thrilling encounter between two evenly matched sides. Pakistan will look to build on the momentum from their first win and capitalize on home advantage, while South Africa aim to complete a series victory with a well-rounded performance. With Quinton de Kock in sublime form and Salman Agha ready to deliver under pressure, this match could be decided by the performance of the openers and the effectiveness of the bowling attack.

Catch all the action at 10:00 AM GMT at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad. The Green Shirts versus the Proteas – cricket at its finest. 🏏 #PAKvSA #CricketFever #GameOn
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