The first T20I of the South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 is being played at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on October 28, 2025.
Pakistan won the toss and chose to bowl first, with captain Salman Agha citing pitch behavior and team balance. “We have a few new faces and a few comebacks too, so I’m very excited,” he said.
South Africa, led by Donovan Ferreira in David Miller’s absence, were forced to bat first. “We wanted to bowl first as well but now we have to bat well and try to restrict after that,” Ferreira noted.
Babar Azam’s Comeback Steals Spotlight
The biggest buzz surrounded Babar Azam’s return to the T20I squad after a 10-month break. His last appearance in the format was against South Africa in December 2024.
With Mike Hesson hinting that Babar might bat at No. 3 instead of opening, fans are eager to see how the former captain adapts.
Head-to-Head: Pakistan vs South Africa in T20Is
Before this match, Pakistan and South Africa had faced off in 21 T20Is, with Pakistan winning 12 and South Africa 9. Their last bilateral series in 2021 ended 3–1 in Pakistan’s favor.
The two sides have also clashed in ICC T20 World Cups, with Pakistan holding a slight edge in knockout encounters.
Rawalpindi’s T20I Legacy
Rawalpindi has hosted eight men’s T20Is since 2020. Six completed matches were all won by the team fielding first. The highest successful chase here is 194/4 by New Zealand.
The average run rate at this venue is 8.18 per over, making it one of the more batter-friendly grounds in Asia.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I – Live Streaming in Pakistan
After an epic Test series that ended in a thrilling tie, the rivalry reignites! 💥 PAK and SA are back on the field, both hungry to claim T20 glory and prove who truly dominates the pitch. 🏏🔥
Watch the match live in HD and without ads only on tapmad!#PAKvSA | #tapmad pic.twitter.com/RhnqIyhyqx
— tapmad (@tapmadtv) October 28, 2025
Pakistani viewers can stream the full South Africa tour—including Tests, ODIs, and T20Is—live and free in HD on Tamasha’s official platform. The service is available via mobile app and web browser, offering seamless access to all matches.
TV Broadcast
- PTV Sports: Available on cable and satellite across Pakistan
- Ten Sports: May carry delayed highlights and analysis
Squad
Pakistan’s XI features Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, and spinner Abrar Ahmed. South Africa’s lineup includes Quinton de Kock, Dewald Brevis, and debutant Tony de Zorzi. With both teams missing key players due to injury or rest, the series promises unpredictability and fresh talent.
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