Tag: PAK vs SA

FAISALABAD: Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi has expressed his delight over the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after a 17-year hiatus on Tuesday.

The historic Iqbal Cricket Stadium in Faisalabad celebrated the return of international cricket with the first ODI of the three-match series between Pakistan and South Africa.

Taking to the social media platform X, Mohsin Naqvi hailed the moment as a proud milestone for the city and Pakistani cricket fans.

“After 17 long years, international cricket finally returns to Faisalabad,” he wrote.

“Delighted to see the excitement as Pakistan and South Africa begin the ODI series here in Pakistan’s own ‘Manchester’. The passion of Faisalabad’s people for cricket is truly unmatched. Insha’Allah, Faisalabad will continue to host international matches in the future.”

After 17 long years, international cricket finally returns to Faisalabad! 🏏
Delighted to see the excitement as Pakistan and South Africa begin the ODI series here in Pakistan’s own “Manchester.”

The passion of Faisalabad’s people for cricket is truly unmatched.
Insha’Allah,…

— Mohsin Naqvi (@MohsinnaqviC42) November 4, 2025

The opening ODI marks the city’s first international fixture since April 11, 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh by seven wickets at the same venue.

All three matches of the series are scheduled at the Iqbal Stadium, with the remaining ODIs to be played on November 6 and 8.

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The limited-overs contest follows an eventful tour for the Proteas, a 1-1 draw in the two-match Test series and a 2-1 T20I win for Pakistan.

Historically, Pakistan and South Africa have met 87 times in ODIs, with South Africa holding the edge with 52 wins compared to Pakistan’s 34 victories, while one match ended without a result.

READ: THIS Pakistan player named in Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament

FAISALABAD: Pakistan have won the toss and opted to bowl first in the first One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium here on Tuesday.

Playing XIs

HEAD TO HEAD

Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 87 times in One Day Internationals. The Proteas have won 52 matches, while Pakistan has secured 34 victories. Notably, one match ended without a result.

Matches 87, Pakistan 34, South Africa 52, No Result 1

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Before the ODI series, the two teams competed in a three-match T20I series, which the Green Shirts won 2-1. They bounced back strongly after losing the opening match, winning the next two games to secure the series.

READ: India announces $5.75 million reward for women’s World Cup winners

FAISALABAD: South Africa have been dealt a major setback ahead of their three-match ODI series against Pakistan, with middle-order batter Dewald Brevis ruled out due to a shoulder injury.

The 22-year-old sustained the injury during the third T20 International at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday.

Subsequent scans revealed a low-grade shoulder muscle strain, forcing him out of the 50-over leg of the tour.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Cricket South Africa (CSA) confirmed the news through an official statement, adding that Brevis will remain with the squad in Pakistan to continue his rehabilitation under the supervision of the Proteas medical team.

“Brevis will undergo rehabilitation with the Proteas Men’s medical team in Pakistan in preparation for the upcoming Test tour of India,” CSA said.

The board also stated that Brevis’ replacement for the ODI series will be announced in due course.

Dewald Brevis, often dubbed ‘Baby AB’ for his stroke-making resemblance to AB de Villiers, has represented South Africa in six ODIs, scoring 110 runs at an average of 22.00 and an impressive strike rate of 159.42.

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The ODI series begins today at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, marking the venue’s return to international cricket after 17 years. The last ODI here was played between Pakistan and Bangladesh in 2008.

The remaining two ODI matches will be held on November 6 and 8, respectively.

The Test leg between the two sides ended in a 1-1 draw, while Pakistan clinched the T20I series 2-1, showcasing strong all-round performances at home.

READ: Wasim Akram tips THIS pacer as Pakistan’s next fast-bowling sensation

FAISALABAD: Pakistan white-ball head coach Mike Hesson expressed delight at the return of cricket to Iqbal Cricket Stadium after a 17-year gap, praising the locals’ friendly and warm welcome.

The three-match ODI series between South Africa and Pakistan will commence tomorrow, marking a new dawn in the city’s cricketing landscape as the venue prepares to host its first ODI in 17 years.

The last international played here was between Pakistan and Bangladesh back in 2008.

 

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Hesson expressed his gratitude for the warm welcome he received here upon arriving in Faisalabad for the first time.

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“Personally, this is my first time in Faisalabad, as well as the first international match to be played in the city for 17 years,” Hesson wrote on his social media handle.

“The Faisalabad locals have been incredibly friendly and welcoming. We are all very much looking forward to the start of the ODI series, hoping and preparing to put on a show for the people of Pakistan,” the post caption read.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

Schedule Pakistan-South Africa Series

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

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FAISALABAD: The trophy for the three-match ODI series between Pakistan and South Africa has been revealed here on Monday.

The ceremony took place at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium, with both captains posing with the trophy.

The three-match ODI series will commence tomorrow, marking the beginning of a new dawn in the city’s cricketing landscape, as the venue is set to host its first ODI after a 17-year hiatus.

The last international played here was between Pakistan and Bangladesh back in 2008.

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With this, the reins of Pakistan ODI captaincy have been handed over to Shaheen Shah Afridi, who has replaced Mohammad Rizwan as captain. Meanwhile, stand-in captain Matthew Bretzeeke will lead the South Africa side.

The second ODI will be played on November 6, and the final match of the tour will commence on November 8.

For the unversed, the two-match Test series between both sides ended in a stalemate, with each team winning one game. On the contrary, Pakistan clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1, thanks to a dominant performance from the home side.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

SCHEDULE

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

READ: Tickets for Pakistan-Sri Lanka ODI series to go on sale from THIS date

FAISALABAD: Pakistan star batter Babar Azam is on the verge of achieving two major milestones during the upcoming ODI series against South Africa, starting on Tuesday at the Iqbal Stadium.

The former Pakistan captain has so far scored 19 centuries in ODI cricket, with the last one occurring in 2023 against Nepal.

He is only one century away from equalling the record for the most centuries in ODI cricket by a Pakistani batter, currently held by the legendary Saeed Anwar, who scored a total of 20 centuries.

Saeed scored 20 centuries during his illustrious career, which spanned 247 matches and 244 innings. Meanwhile, Babar has played 134 ODI matches so far.

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In the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, he has the opportunity to equal or even break Saeed’s record if he scores two centuries.

Most ODI Centuries for Pakistan

• Saeed Anwar – 20 centuries in 247 matches
• Babar Azam – 19* centuries in 134 matches
• Mohammad Yousuf – 15 centuries in 281 matches
• Fakhar Zaman – 11 centuries in 82 matches
• Mohammad Hafeez – 11 centuries in 218 matches

Moreover, Babar Azam has the opportunity to become the second-fastest batsman in ODI history to score 20 centuries.

The record for the fastest to reach this milestone is held by South Africa’s Hashim Amla, who accomplished it in 108 innings.

He is followed by Indian batting legend Virat Kohli, who reached 20 centuries in 133 innings.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Currently, with 19 centuries in 131 innings, Babar stands a good chance of breaking Kohli’s record if he scores his 20th century in his next innings.

Fastest Players to 20 ODI Centuries

• Hashim Amla – 108 innings
• Virat Kohli – 133 innings
• AB de Villiers – 175 innings
• Rohit Sharma – 183 innings

Recently, Babar Azam made a return to Pakistan’s T20I team, showcasing his determination to regain his form.

In the third and final match of the series against South Africa, he scored a brilliant half-century to help his team clinch the series 2-1.

This knock marked his first half-century in T20Is since his 75 runs against Ireland back in May 2024.

READ: Shaheen Afridi comments on his appointment as ODI captain

FAISALABAD: Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi has expressed his pride in being appointed as the ODI captain of Pakistan ahead of the upcoming three-match ODI series against South Africa, which is set to begin on Tuesday at the Iqbal Stadium.

The 25-year-old pacer replaced wicket-keeper batter Mohammad Rizwan as the ODI captain last month.

Speaking at a pre-series press conference, Shaheen called it an “honour and responsibility” to lead the national side, emphasising teamwork and respect for the management’s decisions.

“It’s an honour to represent Pakistan as captain,” Shaheen said. “Wearing the national colours is always special, and with this new role comes added responsibility.”

The left-arm pacer noted that Pakistan carried good momentum from the T20I series and were fully focused on maintaining their form.

“The boys are in good rhythm after a strong T20 series. Our focus now is to carry that energy into one-day cricket and improve in the areas that matter,” he added.

When questioned about leadership changes and his earlier stint as T20I captain, Shaheen responded calmly, reaffirming his commitment to Pakistan cricket above all else.

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“Our job is to play cricket and serve Pakistan in whatever role we’re given,” he stated.

“Leadership decisions rest with the board and management, and we respect that. My only focus right now is on performing well and helping the team grow in ODIs.”

The star pacer also threw his full backing behind former captain Babar Azam, who recently returned to form in the T20I series.

“Every player goes through ups and downs. Babar’s class is never in doubt,” Shaheen said.

“Just because he doesn’t perform in a couple of matches doesn’t make him a bad player. For the last four or five years, he’s been our most consistent performer and the highest run-scorer in both T20Is and ODIs.”

“Whenever our senior players contribute, the team ends up winning. Babar’s return to form is a huge boost for us.”

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Pakistan ace batter Babar Azam shared a heartfelt message after being named the Player of the Match in the third T20I against South Africa.

With Babar’s 68 from 47 balls, Pakistan chased down a 140-run target in the second last over and clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, on Saturday.

In his innings, he achieved his 40th T20I half-century, surpassing the previous record of 39 fifties set by former India captain Virat Kohli.

Among the other notable contributors in the four-wicket victory were Agha Salman, who made 33 runs off 26 balls, while Faheem Ashraf and Usman Khan maintained their composure to guide the team to victory following a minor middle-order setback.

Earlier, after being put into bat, South Africa managed only 139-9 in their 20 overs, courtesy of Shaheen Afridi and Salman Mirza’s clinical bowling.

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Babar expressed his thoughts via a social media post.

“Grateful to be back doing what I love. Thankful for those who believed when it was quiet,” he wrote on X.

Following the Test and ODI series, the action moves to Faisalabad for a three-match ODI series, scheduled from November 4 to November 8.

Earlier today, Pakistan and South Africa squads arrived in Faisalabad on Sunday for the ODI series.

The three-match series will mark Faisalabad’s first ODI in 17 years. The last ODI fixture played at this venue was between Pakistan and Bangladesh in April 2008.

After a rest day, the Proteas and Green Shirts will have practice sessions tomorrow.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

SCHEDULE

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

READ: Women’s World Cup final: Shafali, Deepti propel India to strong total

FAISALABAD: The Pakistan and South Africa squads arrived here on Sunday for the forthcoming One-Day International (ODI) series, which is set to begin on November 6. 

The three-match series will mark Faisalabad’s first ODI in 17 years.  The last ODI fixture played at this venue was between Pakistan and Bangladesh in April 2008.

After a rest day, the Proteas and Green Shirts will have practice sessions tomorrow.

The three-match series will mark Faisalabad’s first ODI in 17 years. After a rest day, both teams will resume preparations with practice sessions tomorrow.

The second ODI will be played on November 6, and the final match of the tour will commence on November 8.

 

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“The Pakistan and South Africa teams have arrived in Faisalabad,” the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) said in a statement.

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“The South Africa team will practice tomorrow [Monday] from 2:00 p.m. to 5:00 pm, while the Pakistan team will hold their practice session tomorrow [Monday] evening at 6:00 pm,” it added.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

For the unversed, the Test between both sides levelled after a 1-1 draw, whereas Pakistan clinched the three-match T20I series 2-1 on Saturday night, thanks to a dominant performance from the home side.

Babar Azam and Shaheen Afridi starred in the match with the former scoring his 40th T20I half-century, whereas the latter ripped the visitors’ top-order with a fiery three-wicket spell.

Squads

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, and Lizaad Williams

SCHEDULE

Nov. 4: First ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 6: Second ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

Nov. 8: Third ODI, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

READ: WATCH: CM Punk defeats Jey Uso to become World Heavyweight Champion

LAHORE: Babar Azam scored a brilliant half-century to steer Pakistan to a clinical four-wicket win over South Africa in the third and final T20I at Gaddafi Stadium on Saturday, sealing the three-match series 2–1.

After being blown away by 55 runs in the opening game, the hosts bounced back in style to claim back-to-back victories and end the series on a high.

Chasing a modest 140-run target, Pakistan overcame early hiccups before Babar’s composed 68 off 47 balls guided them home with six balls to spare. His innings, laced with nine boundaries.

Pakistan’s chase began shakily as Saim Ayub fell for a six-ball duck with just eight on the board.

Sahibzada Farhan’s 18-ball 19 offered some resistance before his dismissal left Pakistan at 44 for two.

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From there, Babar joined forces with skipper Salman Ali Agha to rebuild, adding a fluent 76-run stand for the third wicket that shifted momentum firmly in Pakistan’s favour.

Both batters appeared set to finish the job, but South Africa hit back late, dismissing Agha (33 off 26) and Babar in quick succession.

The mini-collapse saw Hasan Nawaz (5) and Mohammad Nawaz (0) depart cheaply, leaving the hosts momentarily unsettled at 133/6.

However, Faheem Ashraf (6*) and Usman Khan (4*) held their nerve to complete the formalities and secure the series for Pakistan.

Earlier, Shaheen Afridi set the tone with a fiery new-ball spell, removing two batters in consecutive deliveries in the opening over to leave South Africa reeling at 0 for 2.

Catch Pakistan vs South Africa news updates here!

Despite brief resistance from Reeza Hendricks (34 off 36) and Dewald Brevis (21 off 22), the visitors never truly recovered.

Debutant Usman Tariq struck crucial blows in the middle overs, while Faheem Ashraf’s double-wicket burst, dismissing Donovan Ferreira (29 off 14) and George Linde on consecutive balls, dismantled the Proteas’ lower order.

Corbin Bosch’s fighting 30* provided some stability as South Africa limped to 139/9 in their 20 overs.

Shaheen finished with 3 for 26 and was well supported by Faheem (2–20) and Tariq (2–27), while Nawaz and Salman Mirza chipped in with one wicket apiece.

READ: New Zealand outclass England to seal ODI series sweep