Pakistan vs South Africa – 1st ODI Preview

Both teams come into this encounter seeking stability. Pakistan, led by left-arm spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi, have endured a turbulent run in ODIs marked by inconsistency with the bat and a reliance on individual brilliance. South Africa, under the leadership of Matthew Breetzke, arrive with a youthful, experimental squad – a blend of established names and emerging prospects such as Dewald Brevis and Tony de Zorzi.

While history tilts in favor of the Proteas, the momentum at home belongs to Pakistan, whose familiarity with subcontinental conditions and potent pace-bowling depth could prove decisive. With the pitch expected to favor early swing and later slow turn, both sides will need adaptability and composure in equal measure.

Form Guide

The Men in Green enter this series after a challenging away run, losing back-to-back ODIs to New Zealand and dropping two of three against West Indies in August. Their recent pattern – L L W L L – reflects an ongoing search for middle-order consistency. Batting collapses have been frequent, but bright spots remain: Babar Azam continues to anchor innings with characteristic fluency, while Mohammad Rizwan’s wicketkeeping and temperament remain vital. Pakistan’s pace trio – Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf – must rediscover control with the new ball to restrict opponents early.

The Proteas, in contrast, have alternated between emphatic wins and heavy defeats. Their record across the last five ODIs stands W L W L L, featuring a commanding 84-run win over Australia and a 7-wicket victory in Leeds against England. However, massive losses by 276 and 342 runs underscore their volatility. With Quinton de Kock likely to open and Brevis adding youthful aggression, South Africa’s batting depth could stretch Pakistan’s bowling, though consistency remains their biggest hurdle.

Pakistan: L L W L L

South Africa: W L W L L

Pakistan vs South Africa Head-to-Head

Since their first ODI meeting in 1992, Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 86 times, with South Africa leading 52-34 in the overall record. Historically, the Proteas’ disciplined seam attack and powerful top order have given them the edge, but recent encounters have been more competitive.

During the 2024 series, Pakistan’s controlled bowling and improved death-over batting turned the tide – marking their first series win in South Africa in over a decade. In the last five ODIs between the sides, Pakistan have clinched three victories to South Africa’s two, highlighting a narrowing gap. The head-to-head numbers may favor the Proteas, but the current trajectory suggests an increasingly even contest in the 50-over arena.

Pakistan 34-52 South Africa

Pitch and Weather

The Iqbal Stadium surface has traditionally supported run-scoring early before slowing down as the innings progress. With an average first-innings total of 228, captains have tended to bat first, capitalizing on the morning’s truer bounce. The venue’s last ODI, played several years ago, produced a gripping low-scoring affair, and reports indicate that curators have prepared a balanced wicket offering moderate seam movement and occasional grip for spinners.

Weather on November 4 is forecast to be warm and hazy, with daytime highs near 31 °C and air quality concerns that could slightly impact visibility. Dew is unlikely to be a major factor, but evening temperatures could drop to 14 °C, potentially aiding swing bowlers under lights. Toss winners will be tempted to take first strike and set a total, especially given the venue’s historical bias toward sides batting first.

Team News

Captain Shaheen Afridi will spearhead a pace-heavy lineup, complemented by Naseem Shah and Faheem Ashraf. In the top order, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub will be expected to provide brisk starts, while Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan anchor the middle phase. The inclusion of young all-rounder Hasan Nawaz adds flexibility at No. 6, and Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin could be decisive on a worn surface.

With several senior pros rested, South Africa’s touring party emphasizes development. Matthew Breetzke leads the side, supported by Quinton de Kock’s experience at the top. Dewald Brevis and Tony de Zorzi provide aggressive stroke play, while all-rounders George Linde and Corbin Bosch balance the lineup. The pace attack, featuring Lungi Ngidi and Nandre Burger, will look to exploit any early movement.

Pakistan (Probable XI): Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)

South Africa (Probable XI): Matthew Breetzke (c), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi

Broadcasting Platforms

The Pakistan vs South Africa ODI series will be available for live streaming on the Sports TV YouTube channel, with ball-by-ball updates on Cricbuzz and ESPN Cricinfo. Local broadcasters in Pakistan (PTV Sports) and South Africa (SuperSport) will provide full HD coverage.