Pakistan vs South Africa Prediction: Who Will Win PAK vs SA 1st ODI Match?
The highly anticipated Pakistan vs South Africa prediction for the 1st ODI 2025 promises an exciting battle as both teams aim for early dominance in the three-match series. The opening ODI will be played on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad. Pakistan, looking to bounce back after a difficult one-day year (losing nine out of eleven ODIs), will be eager to start afresh under Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy. On the other hand, South Africa enter this series after an impressive win against England in the UK, and will hope to continue their momentum.
With the ICC World Cup Super League standings at stake — Pakistan ranked 5th and South Africa 6th — both teams will be desperate for early points. Having faced each other 87 times in ODIs, South Africa lead the head-to-head with 52 wins, while Pakistan have won 34 matches. The stage is set for a high-voltage contest in Faisalabad.
- Pakistan and South Africa begin 3-match ODI series in Faisalabad.
- Pakistan have lost 9 of their last 11 ODIs in 2025.
- South Africa recently beat England in UK ODI series.
- Matthew Breetzke to captain Proteas for the first time.
- Pakistan aim to build on their home T20I series win over SA.
- Head-to-head: South Africa lead 52-34 in ODIs.
- Pakistan favorites at home; Afridi begins ODI captaincy.
Match Details
| Match | Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Tuesday, 4th November 2025 |
| Time | 3:30 PM (IST) |
| Venue | Iqbal Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad |
| Live Streaming | YouTube |
Pakistan Team Preview
Pakistan enter the ODI series with renewed determination after clinching the T20I series against South Africa. Led by Shaheen Shah Afridi, this will be his first assignment as ODI captain on home soil. Pakistan will be desperate to improve their ODI form, having lost nine of their last eleven games this year.
In the batting department, Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub are expected to open the innings, providing the team with a strong start. Babar Azam remains the fulcrum of the middle order, supported by Salman Agha and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, who continues to be Pakistan’s most consistent performer in limited-overs cricket.
All-rounder Faheem Ashraf and spinner Mohammad Nawaz will play crucial roles in balancing the side, especially in Faisalabad’s spin-friendly conditions.
In bowling, Pakistan’s pace attack looks formidable with Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, and Naseem Shah forming a world-class trio capable of dismantling any lineup. Abrar Ahmed will be the key spinner, expected to exploit the turning track.
With home advantage and crowd support, Pakistan will rely on early wickets and top-order partnerships to gain control of the match. Shaheen Afridi’s leadership will be tested, but his aggression and tactical awareness could make the difference.
Probable XI (Pakistan):
Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Abrar Ahmed.
South Africa Team Preview
South Africa, under new captain Matthew Breetzke, begin their ODI journey with several fresh faces in the squad. After losing the T20I series to Pakistan, the Proteas will be eager to bounce back strongly in the 50-over format.
The batting unit will revolve around experienced Quinton de Kock and young talents Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brewis, who can turn matches with their attacking stroke play. Breetzke’s leadership will be closely watched as he looks to inspire a squad mixing youth and experience.
The lower middle order, featuring Donovan Ferreira and Lhuan Dre Pretorius, adds versatility with both players capable of finishing innings effectively.
Bowling remains South Africa’s strong suit, led by Lungi Ngidi and Lizaad Williams. Their pace will be backed by Corbin Bosch and Nandre Burger, while George Linde offers a spin option who can also contribute handy runs.
With several uncapped players, this series is an opportunity for the Proteas to build squad depth ahead of future ICC tournaments. However, adjusting to subcontinent conditions will be their biggest challenge.
Probable XI (South Africa):
Matthew Breetzke (c), Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brewis, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan Dre Pretorius (wk), Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi.
Pakistan vs South Africa Today’s Fantasy Prediction – 4th November
| Role | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Mohammad Rizwan |
| Bat | Babar Azam, Dewald Brewis, Tony de Zorzi |
| AR | Faheem Ashraf, George Linde |
| Bowl | Shaheen Afridi, Lungi Ngidi, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed |
| Flex | Fakhar Zaman |
Captain Choices: Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi
Vice-Captain Choices: Quinton de Kock, Lungi Ngidi
Players to Avoid: Sinethemba Qeshile, Salman Agha
Fantasy Insight: Pick more Pakistan players due to home advantage and spin assistance. Babar Azam’s consistency and Afridi’s new-ball magic make them must-haves.
Also Check: Get The Best Fantasy Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favorite Team in Today’s Match
Pakistan enter this clash as favorites due to their strong home record and balanced lineup. Their batting lineup, anchored by Babar Azam and Rizwan, has experience in handling pressure. The bowling unit, featuring Afridi, Rauf, and Naseem, gives them an edge in both pace and precision.
South Africa, though talented, are fielding a relatively inexperienced squad, which may struggle under Faisalabad’s humid conditions and spin-friendly wicket. The familiarity of local conditions and crowd support further tilts the game in Pakistan’s favor. Expect Pakistan to capitalize on early breakthroughs and dominate through controlled bowling phases.
Pakistan ODI History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 990 | 521 | 440 | 21 | 8 |
Pakistan are one of the most successful ODI teams, winning over 500 matches in their rich history.
South Africa ODI History
| Matches | Won | Lost | NR | Tie |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 692 | 419 | 246 | 21 | 6 |
South Africa maintain a strong ODI win ratio with dominant performances since the 1990s.
Head-to-Head Record
| Total | Pakistan Won | South Africa Won | No Result |
|---|---|---|---|
| 87 | 34 | 52 | 1 |
At Faisalabad: Pakistan 2 – South Africa 1
South Africa lead overall, but Pakistan hold the edge at Faisalabad.
Also Check: Pakistan vs South Africa Head to Head in ODI
Pitch Report
The Iqbal Stadium surface traditionally assists spinners as the match progresses. Batting becomes easier under lights, so teams prefer chasing. Expect scores around 250–270 to be competitive.
Weather Report
Clear skies with temperatures around 26°C. No rain is expected, ensuring a full 50-over contest.
Broadcast Details
Live streaming available on YouTube via official broadcasters.
Toss Prediction
Winner: South Africa (likely to bowl first)
Match Prediction
Our Winner: Pakistan will win
Pakistan are expected to dominate at home with their superior bowling attack and strong top order. The conditions and recent form heavily favor the hosts.
Also, once the toss takes place, we might modify the Today Match Prediction as per the playing XIs. Please check this blog after the toss for the updated Prediction.
FAQ – PAK vs SA 1st ODI
Q1: When is Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI 2025?
On Tuesday, 4th November 2025, in Faisalabad.
Q2: Who will win today’s Pakistan vs South Africa 1st ODI?
According to our prediction, Pakistan will win.
Q3: Who is Pakistan’s ODI captain?
Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Q4: Who is South Africa’s ODI captain?
Matthew Breetzke.
Q5: Where to watch PAK vs SA live?
Live streaming available on YouTube.
Q6: What is the head-to-head record between Pakistan and South Africa?
South Africa lead 52-34 in ODIs.
Disclaimer: Predictions are for entertainment purposes only. We don’t get involved in or promote betting or gambling. Also, We strongly discourage behaviors of participating in illegal activities related to cricket. Our experts try to be as correct as possible, but we do not guarantee 100% correctness.
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