PAK vs SA 1st T20I Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

PAK vs SA 1st T20 Match Preview – Following a hard-fought 1-1 draw in the Test series, Pakistan and South Africa are set to reignite their rivalry in the shortest format. The first of a three-match T20I series kicks off on Tuesday, October 28th, at the high-scoring Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

This series presents a fascinating clash of two teams in transition, both led by new captains. Pakistan, under the leadership of Salman Agha, welcomes back superstar batsman Babar Azam and pace spearhead Naseem Shah, who were both notably omitted from the recent Asia Cup. The hosts will be looking to leverage their formidable pace attack and home advantage.

South Africa, meanwhile, is also sporting a fresh look. With several senior players rested or injured (including David Miller), the captaincy has been handed to the hard-hitting Donovan Ferreira. The Proteas may be light on experience, but they are overflowing with explosive T20 talent, including Quinton de Kock, Reeza Hendricks, and the prodigiously talented Dewald Brevis.

Adding to the intrigue is the dead-even head-to-head record. In 24 T20I encounters, both nations have claimed 12 victories apiece, setting the stage for a thrilling series opener as both sides look to break the tie.

PAK vs SA Match Details

PAK vs SA Head-to-Head

The T20I rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa could not be more evenly poised. Their 12-12 record underscores how closely matched these two teams have been over the years.

PAK vs SA Pitch Report: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium

Get ready for a run-fest. The Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is famously one of the flattest, most batter-friendly wickets in the world. In 2025, the average first-innings score at this venue in T20s has been a staggering 211. The ball comes onto the bat beautifully, and the short boundaries make it a nightmare for bowlers.

While there might be a hint of movement for the new-ball pacers in the first couple of overs, this is a pitch where batters can trust the bounce and play their strokes freely. Dew is expected to be a significant factor in the second innings, making it difficult for spinners to grip the ball and for pacers to execute their variations. The captain winning the toss will almost certainly choose to bowl first and chase.

PAK vs SA Weather Report

Conditions will be perfect for cricket. The forecast for Rawalpindi on Tuesday evening is “clear” with a 0% chance of rain. Temperatures are expected to be pleasant, with a low of around 17°C, making for a comfortable evening for both players and spectators.

PAK vs SA Probable Playing11

Pakistan (PAK): Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan (wk), Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha (c), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed.

South Africa (SA): Quinton de Kock (wk), Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira (c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams.

PAK vs SA Full Squads

Pakistan Squad: Saim Ayub, Sahibzada Farhan(w), Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Salman Agha(c), Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi, Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Abrar Ahmed, Salman Mirza, Usman Khan, Usman Tariq, Abdul Samad.

South Africa Squad: Quinton de Kock(w), Reeza Hendricks, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira(c), George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lungi Ngidi, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Ottneil Baartman, Andile Simelane.

PAK vs SA Match Prediction

This is an incredibly tough match to call. On one hand, Pakistan possesses the home advantage and a world-class pace attack, with the return of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah a massive boost. Their batting is also strengthened by the inclusion of Babar Azam.

On the other hand, South Africa’s squad is packed with T20 specialists who will relish the flat conditions in Rawalpindi. Reeza Hendricks has an excellent record against Pakistan, Quinton de Kock is a match-winner on any day, and Dewald Brevis is in scorching form, averaging 42.5 in T20Is in 2025.

However, South Africa’s recent T20I form has been poor, including a shock loss to Namibia. Pakistan’s bowling attack, particularly the pace duo of Shaheen and Naseem, might just be the deciding factor. In what promises to be a high-scoring thriller, Pakistan’s superior bowling depth gives them a slight edge to go 1-0 up in the series.

Prediction: Pakistan to win a close contest.