PAK vs SA 2025: Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test Match Prediction - Who will win today's match between PAK vs SA Test match?

Pakistan is gearing up to face the reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, in a two-match Test series, with the first match scheduled to be played at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on October 12.

Pakistan

Pakistan are set to kick off their 2025-27 World Test Championship (WTC) cycle with a two-match Test series against South Africa at their home. They are set to play their first Test series after January this year. Shan Masood will lead a balanced and in-form Pakistan side that comprises Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel like players in the team. On the bowling front, Pakistan will look to exploit with their heavy spin trio of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Abrar Ahmed on their home turf.

South Africa

South Africa, meanwhile, is set to tour Pakistan for the first time since 2021. The reigning World Test Champions (WTC) will kick off their new cycle in style under the leadership of Aiden Markram, as Temba Bavuma has been ruled out of this series with a calf injury. Proteas will look to continue their winning streak alive when they visit Pakistan after demolishing Zimbabwe in a recent two-match Test series. The batting lineup includes Ryan Rickelton, Tony de Zorzi, and David Bedingham, whereas  Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy will take care of the spin department. Kagiso Rabada remains the spearhead of the pace bowling unit.

PAK vs SA 1st Test Match Details

PAK vs SA 1st Test Pitch Report

Traditionally, Gaddafi Stadium's surface offers a flat and slow surface that helps batters and assists spinners as the match progresses. There have been 41 Tests played here so far, with several ending in draws due to a flat batting surface, but teams batting second have enjoyed a little more success than teams batting first. Spinners are likely to extract good help from the surface as the pitch dried up. 

PAK vs SA 1st Test Weather Report

The weather is expected to remain hot and humid throughout the entire match, with no rain predicted anytime. The conditions are expected to be warm for this match on the final day, with the highest temperature expected to hit nearly 33°C during the day, and a humidity of 40%.

PAK vs SA Head-to-Head Records

PAK vs SA 1st Test Probable XI

• Pakistan: Shan Masood (c), Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Kamran Ghulam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Shaheen Shah Afridi

• South Africa:  Ryan Rickelton, Aiden Markram (c), Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, David Bedingham, Tristan Stubbs, Kyle Verreynne (wk), Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen, Kagiso Rabada

Players To Watch Out For In the PAK vs SA 1st Test Match

• Babar Azam | PAK: The former captain of Pakistan remains one of the prominent batters in the batting lineup of this team. His ability to play long innings, especially against the spin, is what makes him a special player. He has featured in 59 Test matches so far and has scored 4235 runs for the team at an average of 42.78, including 9 centuries and 29 half-centuries.

• Aiden Markram | SA: Aiden Markram remains the backbone of this team in the top order. He will return for the Pakistan Test series after missing the Zimbabwe Test series. He has featured in 46 Test matches and has scored 2993 runs, including 8 centuries. He is one batter to watch out for in this Test match.

PAK vs SA 1st Test Toss Prediction

Historical Toss-Winning Stats at the Venue

• In the last three Test matches played at this venue, the teams that won the toss have opted to bowl once and bat on two occasions. 

Advantages of Bowling First on This Pitch

• The team batting first at this venue has won 4 out of the total 41 Test matches played here, while the teams batting second have won 15 Test matches. 

PAK vs SA Today's Match Scenario

Scenario 1

• Toss Winner: Pakistan (opts to bowl first)
• SA 1st Innings: 315-350
• SA 2nd Innings: 280-270
• Match Winner: South Africa

Scenario 2

• Toss Winner: South Africa (opts to bowl first)
• PAK 1st Innings: 335-365
• PAK 2nd Innings: 310-330
• Match Winner: Pakistan

Who will win today's PAK vs SA Test match?

South Africa defeated Australia in the WTC Final and ended their ICC trophy drought. They dominated Australia in the final, which signifies their ability to take down on big opponent. Moreover, they are in a better form as compared to Pakistan, which is not at its best in Test cricket lately.