Pakistan vs South Africa Today Match Prediction — Who Will Win?
Match: 1st T20I — Pakistan vs South Africa
Date: Tuesday, October 28, 2025
Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
Time: 8:00 PM PST
🏏 Introduction
After a thrilling Test series that ended 1–1, Pakistan and South Africa are ready to lock horns again — this time in the shorter T20 format. The first T20I of the three-match series will take place under the lights at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Tuesday, October 28.
Fans can expect fireworks, big hits, and high-intensity cricket as both sides aim to make a strong start in the series.
Pakistan Team Preview
Pakistan enters this series after a decent run in the 2025 Asia Cup, where they reached the final despite not being at their absolute best. They registered four wins and three losses, all of which came against arch-rivals India. Playing on home soil, Pakistan will look to dominate and make life difficult for the visitors.
Batting Overview
Pakistan’s batting lineup looks solid with the presence of Babar Azam, Salman Agha, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, and Usman Khan.
Captain Salman Agha has been in superb T20 form this year. Since January 2025, he has scored 511 runs in 26 matches at a strike rate of 114.57, including four half-centuries.
Babar Azam, the former captain, continues to be the backbone of the batting order, while Sahibzada Farhan and Saim Ayub will look to give Pakistan explosive starts in the powerplay.
Bowling Overview
Pakistan’s bowling attack remains their biggest weapon. Shaheen Afridi leads the pace unit with Faheem Ashraf and Naseem Shah providing support.
In the spin department, Mohammad Nawaz and Abrar Ahmed are expected to play a key role. Nawaz, in particular, has been exceptional this year, taking 22 wickets in 18 matches with an economy rate of just 6.67.
With a balanced mix of pace and spin, Pakistan’s bowling attack looks capable of defending any total.
South Africa Team Preview
South Africa will be eager to bounce back after their surprise defeat to Namibia in Windhoek earlier this month. This young squad, led by Donovan Ferreira, will rely on the experience of senior players like Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and Lungi Ngidi.
Batting Overview
Lhuan-dre Pretorius is still settling into the international stage and will open alongside Quinton de Kock, who is returning to form after a long break.
Reeza Hendricks, though consistent, often starts slow. His strike rate of 129.8 in T20Is needs improvement if South Africa wants quick runs in the powerplay.
The middle order revolves around Dewald Brevis and David Miller. Brevis, known as “Baby AB,” is dangerous against spin and can change the game in a few overs. However, Miller’s finishing ability has declined slightly, with his 2024 strike rate dropping to 118.
Ferreira and Simelane add youthful energy but still lack consistency in high-pressure situations.
Bowling Overview
Gerald Coetzee brings raw pace but can be erratic, with a T20I economy rate of over 10.5. Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams may struggle on Pakistan’s flat pitches.
In the spin department, George Linde is the standout performer, offering control and variation. However, overall, South Africa’s bowling lacks depth in spin-friendly conditions.
🌦️ Pitch & Weather Report
The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium pitch is known to be flat and batting-friendly, offering true bounce and pace. Fast bowlers may find some early movement under lights, but spinners could struggle as the match progresses.
With dew expected in the second innings, the team batting second will have a slight advantage.
- Average 1st Innings Score: 158
- Dew Factor: High
- Best Option: Win toss and bowl first
The weather forecast for Tuesday looks clear and pleasant, with temperatures around 23°C, humidity at 53%, and a gentle breeze of 14 km/h.
⚔️ Head-to-Head Record
- Total T20Is: 24
- Pakistan Wins: 12
- South Africa Wins: 12
The two teams are evenly matched in T20Is, with both sides winning 12 games each. This balance sets the stage for an exciting decider in the opening match of the series.
🏟️ Venue Insights
Rawalpindi has historically produced fast-paced, high-scoring matches. Early on, fast bowlers might enjoy some bounce and seam movement, but spinners can come into play during the middle overs.
Under lights, dew becomes a major factor, giving chasing teams a notable edge. Expect teams to prefer bowling first if they win the toss.
🔮 Match Prediction
Given Pakistan’s familiarity with local conditions, stronger spin options, and better top-order consistency, they are clear favorites to win this encounter.
Predicted Winner: 🇵🇰 Pakistan
Winning Chances:
- Pakistan – 65%
- South Africa – 35%
Pakistan’s key players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Afridi, and Mohammad Nawaz are in top form and will likely dominate both with bat and ball.
💰 Betting Tips & Fantasy Picks
Smart Betting Tip: Back Pakistan to win, but consider South Africa for good odds if their top order clicks early.
Top Fantasy Picks (Dream11 Prediction)
From Pakistan:
- Sahibzada Farhan – explosive opener with strong Asia Cup form
- Babar Azam – dependable anchor
- Shaheen Afridi – wicket-taker with the new ball
- Mohammad Nawaz – consistent spin all-rounder
From South Africa:
- Dewald Brevis – dynamic middle-order hitter
- Quinton de Kock – key to early momentum
- George Linde – economical left-arm spinner
🧩 Probable Playing XI
Pakistan:
Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (C), Usman Khan (WK), Hassan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Abrar Ahmed, Naseem Shah.
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock (WK), Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira (C), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nqaba Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Kwena Maphaka, Nandre Burger.
🏁 Final Verdict
Expect a thrilling contest under the Rawalpindi lights. Pakistan’s superior home record, strong bowling attack, and experienced top order should help them start the T20I series with a comfortable win.
📊 Prediction Summary:
Pakistan to win by 25–30 runs if they bat first, or 5–6 wickets if they chase.
Read more: Preston Cricket Club (Lancashire): Latest News, Matches, Players, Schedule & Records
Tags: Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I prediction, who will win today, Pakistan vs South Africa match preview, Rawalpindi pitch report, Pakistan vs South Africa Dream11 tips, Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 series.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I 2025, Pakistan vs South Africa match prediction, Rawalpindi pitch report, Pakistan vs South Africa Dream11 team, today match who will win, Pakistan vs South Africa T20I live score, MarchTownCricket prediction.
