The ODI series Pakistan vs South Africa reaches its thrilling conclusion as both teams gear up for the third and final match at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad on 8 November 2025. With the series level at 1–1, both teams will look to win the series.
Pakistan won the opening ODI by a narrow margin, driven by Salman Ali Agha composed knock and disciplined bowling from Shaheen Naseem Shah and Abrar Ahmed. However, South Africa bounced back strongly in the second ODI, registering a convincing win thanks to a brilliant century from Quinton de Kock and solid middle-order contributions. Their bowlers, led by Nandre Burger and Corbin Bosch, displayed great control and pace.
Pakistan openers Saim Ayub and Fakhar Zaman looked in decent touch but need to convert starts in big scores, Babar Azam still trying to find rhythm in this odi series while Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha looked impressive in both matches,also provide stability in middle order, while Mohammad Nawaz and Faheem Ashraf provide more balance with his all round ability, while Naseem Shah will lead pace attack and Shaheen Afridi will have to find rhythm get early breakthroughs with the new ball put pressure on South Africa middle order,
On the other hand South Africa Quenton de Kock and Lhuan De Pretorius is in fine touch will gave steady Start, Tony De Zorzi, Matthew Breetzkee also looked decent will need to carry his momentum in decider while South Africa have one concern is inconsistent lower order need to give more balance and finish strong , while Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger will lead bowling attack.
Pakistan vs South Africa Head to Head Records in ODIs
Total matches played: 89
South Africa won: 53
Pakistan won: 35
Tied/No Results: 1
Pitch Report
The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is known for offering a balanced surface. Batting becomes easier as the game progresses, but early seam movement can test top-order batters. Spinners tend to get some assistance in the middle overs, making tactical bowling changes crucial. Teams winning the toss often prefer to bat first and post a total above 280 to stay competitive.
Probable playing XIs
Pakistan
Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf
South Africa
Lhuan De Pretorius, Quenton de Kock (wk), Tony De Zorzi, Matthew Breetzkee (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Nqbayomzi Peter
Players to Watch Out
Salman Ali Agha
Saim Ayub
Naseem Shah
Quenton de Kock
Tony De Zorzi
Corbin Bosch
Prediction
If pakistan batting clicks and early breakthroughs with new ball Pakistan win this match, if South Africa put competitive total batting first then South Africa won.