South Africa vs Pakistan Prediction: Who Will Win SA vs PAK 1st Test Match on 12th October 2025?
The South Africa vs Pakistan prediction for the 1st Test 2025 suggests an exciting clash as the Proteas take on the home side at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Sunday, 12th October 2025. South Africa enters as the strong favorite after winning the ICC Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s in June, while Pakistan will aim to capitalize on home advantage and bounce back in red-ball cricket after nearly nine months away from Tests. With players like Wiaan Mulder and Kagiso Rabada in red-hot form for South Africa and Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan leading Pakistan’s spin attack, fans can expect a gripping contest in the opening fixture of this two-match series.
Match Details
| Match | SA vs PAK, 1st Test 2025 |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, October 12, 2025 |
| Time | 9:30 PM IST |
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Broadcast | Fancode (Live Streaming) |
Team Previews
Pakistan Preview
Pakistan will be eager to make a strong statement in the opening Test of their two-match series against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Returning to red-ball cricket after nearly nine months, the Green Shirts will be hoping to find rhythm with both bat and ball. Their batting line-up will rely heavily on experienced players like Shan Masood, Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Agha.
Masood’s leadership at the top, combined with Rizwan’s consistency behind the stumps, will be vital in laying a solid foundation. The middle order will need to step up to counter a potent South African bowling attack led by the likes of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen.
Pakistan’s bowling will look to exploit familiar home conditions, relying on pacers Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali to strike early, while the spin trio of Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed will aim to control the middle overs and extract turn from the surface.
The inclusion of uncapped Asif Afridi adds an element of intrigue and depth to the spin department. Pakistan’s recent performances at home have been mixed, but the team’s ability to adapt and leverage local conditions will be crucial.
With players like Babar Azam and Abdullah Shafique expected to anchor innings, and seasoned bowlers ready to take wickets at crucial moments, Pakistan will be looking to set the tone early in the series.
Historically, Pakistan has a modest record against South Africa, having won only six out of 30 encounters, but home advantage and familiarity with the pitch conditions could help them mount a strong challenge.
Predicted Playing XI:
Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (w), Salman Agha, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Khurram Shahzad, Asif Afridi
South Africa Preview
South Africa, coming off a landmark victory in the ICC Test Championship final against Australia at Lord’s, enter the series as favorites. Led by Aiden Markram, the Proteas will be aiming to assert their dominance early despite the absence of Temba Bavuma and Keshav Maharaj due to injuries. Their batting line-up features experienced campaigners like Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, and wicket-keeper Kyle Verreynne.
Mulder and Rabada have been standout performers in red-ball cricket, providing both stability and attacking options with bat and ball. The bowling attack, anchored by pacers Rabada and Marco Jansen, and supplemented by spin duo Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer, offers a balanced attack capable of exploiting Pakistan’s batting vulnerabilities.
South Africa will aim to adjust to the subcontinental conditions, which differ from the pitches they faced in England and other tours. The team has the experience of previous series victories in South Africa, including wins over Pakistan in Centurion, and will be keen to extend that form abroad.
Their approach will focus on building partnerships at the crease while applying pressure through disciplined bowling and fielding. With a mix of youth and experience, the Proteas’ ability to adapt to Lahore’s conditions and maintain intensity throughout the match will be central to their campaign.
Historically, South Africa has a clear edge over Pakistan in Test encounters, winning 17 out of 30 matches, which underscores their confidence and strategic advantage heading into this opening fixture. The team will rely on key performers like Rabada and Mulder to provide breakthroughs, while the batting core looks to set up strong totals and put Pakistan under early pressure.
Predicted Playing XI:
Aiden Markram (c), Ryan Rickelton, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Wiaan Mulder, Kyle Verreynne (w), Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Corbin Bosch
Dream11 Prediction for Today South Africa vs Pakistan 1st Test
| Position | Player |
|---|---|
| WK | Kyle Verreynne, Mohammad Rizwan |
| Batsmen | Aiden Markram, Babar Azam, Wiaan Mulder, Abdullah Shafique |
| All-rounders | Tristan Stubbs, Faisal Akram |
| Bowlers | Kagiso Rabada, Shaheen Afridi, Nauman Ali |
Players to Avoid: Khurram Shahzad, Corbin Bosch — inconsistent performances in overseas/green-top conditions make them risky picks.
Also Check: Get The Best Dream11 Prediction From Cricket Experts
Favourite Team in Today’s Match
South Africa are favorites due to their strong recent Test form, depth in both batting and bowling, and confidence gained from the WTC final victory. Pakistan’s advantage is home conditions, but their key players are returning after a long gap from red-ball cricket. South Africa’s experienced pace attack and capable middle-order make them slight favorites in the SA vs PAK prediction.
South Africa Test History
- Total Matches: 475
- Wins: 188
- Losses: 161
- Draws: 126
Pakistan Test History
- Total Matches: 465
- Wins: 151
- Losses: 148
- Draws: 166
South Africa vs Pakistan Head-to-Head
| Total Matches | South Africa Wins | Pakistan Wins | Draws |
|---|---|---|---|
| 30 | 17 | 6 | 7 |
South Africa hold a clear edge in Tests, winning 17 of 30 encounters. Pakistan has historically struggled away from home, winning only 6 matches, while 7 ended in draws.
Also Check: Pakistan vs South Africa Head to Head in Test
Pitch Report
The Gaddafi Stadium pitch typically offers a balanced contest. Early bounce aids pacers, while spinners can come into play later in the match. Expect a total of 300-350 runs if batting first.
Weather Report
- Temperature: 34°C
- Conditions: Sunny
- Rain: Nil
Toss Prediction
Winner: South Africa
Likely to bat first and set a solid foundation before spinners exploit the later stages.
SA vs PAK 1st Test Score Prediction
- If South Africa Bat First: 350+
- If Pakistan Bat First: 312+
Winning Chances:
- South Africa: 68%
- Pakistan: 32%
Match Prediction: South Africa to win or draw the first Test.
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 – SA vs PAK 1st Test
Where will the first Test be played?
At Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on 12th October 2025.
Who are the key players to watch?
Aiden Markram, Kagiso Rabada for South Africa; Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi for Pakistan.
What are the pitch conditions?
Balanced pitch with early assistance for pacers and later turn for spinners.
Who is likely to win the toss?
South Africa is slightly favored to win the toss.
How many Tests have South Africa won against Pakistan?
Out of 30 Tests, South Africa have won 17.
Who is the favorite team in the first Test?
South Africa, due to form, depth, and recent WTC victory.
Where can I watch the match live?
Live streaming is available on Fancode.
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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