The two-match Test series between the Pakistan national cricket team and the South Africa national cricket team reaches its decisive phase with the second and final Test at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium from October 20–24, 2025. Pakistan currently lead the series 1–0 after a commanding victory in the first Test, and with top honours and crucial World Test Championship points hanging in the balance, this match promises to be a gripping finale. Pakistan will aim to close out the series at home, while South Africa, determined to avoid defeat, head into Rawalpindi looking to force a draw or snatch a win away from home.
Live Streaming Info
Fans can catch the action live on various platforms: in Pakistan via PTV Sports and the Pakistan Cricket Board’s official streaming service; in South Africa via SuperSport; in India via FanCode (streaming only, as television rights are unavailable). Match Start Time: 10:00 AM Local (PST) / 5:00 AM GMT / 10:30 AM IST.
Team Analysis
Pakistan arrive in Rawalpindi with confidence high, rooted in their rich home-Test form and the momentum gained from their first-match win. Under the leadership of Shan Masood, the batting setup—anchored by the likes of Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and returning opener Imam‑ul‑Haq—has delivered solid starts and built sustained pressure. Their bowling unit, featuring the left-arm spin of Noman Ali and the reverse-swing threat of Shaheen Shah Afridi, has been notably effective on Pakistani pitches. The hosts’ challenge will be to maintain intensity across both innings, avoid mid-order collapses and not become complacent as they seek to seal the series.
South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, head into this match needing a collective response. Their top-order—featuring Tony de Zorzi and younger players like Ryan Rickelton—must convert starts into big scores, especially against Pakistan’s spin and seam threat. Their bowling attack, with Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen among key options, needs early strikes to put Pakistan under pressure. Fielding and the ability to win crucial sessions will be key if they are to turn the tie around.
Match Insights and Conclusion
Rawalpindi’s surface is historically a mixed wicket: it offers variable bounce and turns in later innings, making the toss and decision to bat or bowl a major factor. The data suggests teams batting second have an advantage, but conditions can shift across the five-day match. Small sessions—especially the first hour after lunch or the period under lights—could determine momentum. Pakistan’s home conditions and current form give them a marginal edge, but South Africa’s experience and competitive mindset should not be underestimated.
If Pakistan can reproduce their intensity from the first Test, build significant first-innings totals and finish strong, they look well-placed to clinch the series. However, South Africa’s capacity to evolve quickly, adapt to Asian conditions and seize key moments means they still have a path to redemption. With top-tier talent on both sides and stakes high in the World Test Championship cycle, the Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 2nd Test promises five days of high drama, strategic nuance and Test cricket at its compelling best.
