Pakistan and South Africa renew their Test rivalry as they face off in the opening match of a two-Test series starting today at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan skipper Shan Masood won the toss and opted to bat first on the day. The two sides approach this contest with contrasting build-ups, Pakistan are returning to the longest format after a nine-month break, while South Africa arrive on a high, fresh from clinching the ICC Test Championship with a notable win over Australia at Lord’s.
Historically, South Africa hold the upper hand, winning 17 of the 30 Test encounters between the teams. However, Pakistan will hope that familiar home conditions and spin-friendly pitches give them the edge this time. Led by Shan Masood, the hosts are keen to make a strong return to red-ball cricket. Their last series, a 1-1 draw against the West Indies, exposed areas needing improvement. With Jason Gillespie at the helm, Pakistan will look for greater discipline and consistency.
South Africa, captained by Aiden Markram, boast a well-balanced squad with depth in both pace and spin. Their recent success in English conditions speaks to their adaptability, but conditions in Lahore will pose a different challenge. Having not toured Pakistan in four years, a quick adjustment to subcontinental conditions will be crucial.
Pakistan vs South Africa Playing 11
Pakistan Playing 11: Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood(c), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hasan Ali, Shaheen Afridi, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan
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South Africa Playing 11: Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Aiden Markram(c), Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne(w), Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer
Pakistan vs South Africa Head-to-Head in Test cricket
Total matches played: 30
Pakistan won: 6
South Africa won: 17
Tie: 7
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test full squad
Pakistan squad: Shan Masood (c), Abdullah Shafique, Babar Azam, Imam-ul-Haq, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Rohail Nazir, Aamer Jamal, Salman Ali Agha, Asif Afridi, Kamran Ghulam, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Faisal Akram, Hasan Ali, Khurram Shahzad, Noman Ali, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
South Africa Squad: Aiden Markram, David Bedingham, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Zubayr Hamza, Ryan Rickelton, Kyle Verrynne, Corbin Bosch, Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Prenelan Subrayen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj (2nd Test only), Kagiso Rabada.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test live telecast and streaming details
When does the PAK vs SA 1st Test match take place?
The 1st Test between Pakistan and South Africa will begin on Saturday, 12 October 2025.
What is the venue of the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test match?
The PAK vs SA 1st Test match will take place at the Gaddafi Cricket Stadium, Lahore
At what time will the live toss for the PAK vs SA 1st Test take place?
The toss for the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test match will take place at 10:00 AM IST.
At what time will the PAK vs SA 1st Test match begin?
The first ball of the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test match is scheduled for 10:30 AM IST.
Which TV channel will live telecast the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test match in India?
The live telecast for the PAK vs SA 1st Test match will not be available in India.
How to watch the live streaming of the PAK vs SA 1st Test match in India?
Live streaming of the PAK vs SA 1st Test match will not be available in India.

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