The much-awaited Pakistan vs South Africa Test series 2025 begins as Pakistan host the Proteas in the 1st Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, from October 12 to 15. This encounter marks the start of a key red-ball series in the new World Test Championship cycle. Both sides enter the contest with renewed ambitions — Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, aim to reassert dominance in home conditions, while South Africa, under the stand-in leadership of Aiden Markram, are determined to prove they can conquer turning tracks. With two proud cricketing nations set to clash, the opening Test promises intensity, tactics, and moments of brilliance that define the longest format.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can watch Pakistan vs South Africa live on PTV Sports and Tamasha (Pakistan), Star Sports and Disney+ Hotstar (India), Ariana TV (Afghanistan), and Willow TV (USA). Match Start Time: 7:30 PM PST | 8:00 PM IST | 2:30 PM GMT | 6:30 PM UAE Time
Team Analysis
Led by Shan Masood, Pakistan enter the series with a well-balanced squad that thrives in home conditions. The batting lineup will rely heavily on Babar Azam’s class, Abdullah Shafique’s patience, and Saud Shakeel’s consistency in the middle order. Shan Masood’s tactical approach and ability to build long innings will be crucial in setting the tone for Pakistan’s campaign. Mohammad Rizwan provides stability with the gloves and the bat, while Salman Ali Agha continues to grow as a dependable all-rounder. On home soil, Pakistan’s spinners often prove decisive, and the combination of Noman Ali, Abrar Ahmed, and Sajid Khan offers variety and control.
In the pace department, Shaheen Afridi’s leadership with the new ball, supported by Khurram Shahzad’s accuracy and Hasan Ali’s reverse swing, ensures Pakistan maintain a cutting edge even when the ball gets old. Playing in Lahore, Pakistan are expected to tailor conditions that support spin from Day 2 onward, adding strategic weight to their bowling attack.
The Proteas enter the series with challenges but no shortage of determination. Aiden Markram leads in the absence of Temba Bavuma, aiming to guide a relatively young squad through subcontinent conditions. South Africa’s batting core revolves around Markram himself, David Bedingham, and Ryan Rickelton, who have shown promising form in the domestic circuit. The middle order, featuring Wiaan Mulder and Kyle Verreynne, adds depth and stability, while Dewald Brevis, if selected, brings youthful flair and attacking potential.
Bowling remains South Africa’s traditional strength. Kagiso Rabada spearheads the attack, with Marco Jansen’s bounce and Wiaan Mulder’s seam movement offering vital support. With regular spinner Keshav Maharaj unavailable, South Africa will turn to Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy to exploit any assistance from the surface. Their ability to control runs and break partnerships will be key against Pakistan’s spin-savvy batsmen.
Match Insights and Conclusion
The Gaddafi Stadium surface has historically provided early assistance to seamers before gradually turning into a spinner’s paradise from Day 3 onwards. Winning the toss and batting first could prove crucial, allowing the side to post a commanding total and dictate terms later in the match.
For Pakistan, the focus will be on building partnerships and letting their spinners dictate play once cracks begin to appear. Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel’s ability to play spin confidently may prove decisive, while Shaheen Afridi will look to strike early against South Africa’s top order. South Africa, on the other hand, will rely on Rabada’s breakthroughs and Markram’s resilience to counter Pakistan’s home advantage. The middle-order battle — Saud Shakeel vs Harmer’s off-spin and Markram vs Noman Ali’s left-arm spin — could define the game’s momentum.
Both teams bring contrasting strengths — Pakistan’s spin depth and familiarity with conditions against South Africa’s pace precision and disciplined approach. Expect a hard-fought contest filled with tactical battles, fluctuating sessions, and flashes of brilliance that make Test cricket unforgettable. As the sun sets over Lahore, this clash will not just be about runs and wickets — it’s about pride, patience, and the pursuit of supremacy in the World Test Championship.
