Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test 2025 : Cricket fever is back in Lahore as Pakistan gears up to face South Africa in the opening Test of their two-match series — and fans can’t wait to see the action unfold! This clash isn’t just another Test; it marks the start of Pakistan’s new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, making it a historic occasion for home fans.
🇵🇰 A Fresh Start for Pakistan in WTC Cycle
The Asia Cup 2025 buzz is behind them, and Pakistan’s red-ball team is focused on redemption and consistency. Interestingly, this is the first time Pakistan starts a new WTC cycle at home — a big moment for both the players and the fans.
Pakistan has faced South Africa 30 times in Tests, winning 6 and losing 17, while 7 matches ended in a draw. Historically, South Africa has had the upper hand, but Pakistan’s recent home dominance gives them confidence heading into this clash.
Match Preview: A Battle of Skill and Grit
The first Test begins on Sunday, October 12, at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, a venue known for its electric atmosphere and passionate crowd support.
Both teams come in evenly matched — each having played four Tests in the current WTC cycle, winning two apiece. The last time South Africa toured Pakistan was back in 2021, when Pakistan sealed a clean 2-0 victory.
This time, Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan return to anchor the middle order, and the spotlight will be on whether the star duo can deliver big runs in front of their home crowd.
🇿🇦 South Africa’s Challenge: New Captain, Same Spirit
South Africa enters the series under new captain Aiden Markram, as Temba Bavuma misses out due to injury. The visitors boast a powerful pace lineup featuring Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, ready to test Pakistan’s batting under lights and pressure.
With young talents like Dewald Brevis and Tristan Stubbs in the mix, this South African side promises both aggression and flair — making it a thrilling contest for fans.
Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test 2025 — Full Squads
Pakistan Squad:
Shan Masood (captain), Abdullah Shafique, Abrar Ahmed, Asif Afridi, Babar Azam, Hasan Ali, Imam-ul-Haq, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Noman Ali, Rohail Nazir, Sajid Khan, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
South Africa Squad:
Aiden Markram (captain), 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, Kagiso Rabada.
Live Streaming & Broadcast Details
When: Sunday, October 12, 2025
Match Time: 10:30 AM local / 10:30 PM IST
Toss Time: 10:00 AM IST
Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
TV Broadcast: No TV broadcast available in India for this Test series.
Live Streaming: Available exclusively on the FanCode app and FanCode website.