PAK vs SA 3rd ODI, Match Prediction, Preview, Playing11, Pitch and Weather Report

PAK vs SA 3rd ODI Match Preview – The South Africa tour of Pakistan, 2025, reaches its thrilling conclusion as Pakistan and South Africa lock horns in the third and final One-Day International. With the series tantalizingly poised at 1-1, the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad is set to host a high-stakes decider on Saturday, November 8th.

Pakistan, led by new ODI captain Shaheen Afridi, drew first blood in the series opener, but the Proteas, inspired by a magnificent century from the returning Quinton de Kock, stormed back in the second ODI to level the series. Now, it all comes down to this final match. Pakistan will be banking on their formidable pace attack and home advantage to clinch the trophy, while South Africa’s explosive top order will be looking to silence the home crowd and complete a memorable comeback.

PAK vs SA 3rd ODI Match Details

PAK vs SA Head-to-Head (ODI)

While South Africa holds a comfortable lead in the all-time record, the statistics in Pakistan are perfectly even, highlighting just how competitive these two sides are on Pakistani soil.

PAK vs SA 3rd ODI Pitch Report

The Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad has been a batsman’s paradise throughout this series.³ The pitch is flat, offers true bounce, and has provided very little assistance for the bowlers. Both previous matches have been high-scoring affairs, and this one is expected to be no different.

The new ball might offer a hint of movement for the opening pacers, but batters will be able to play their strokes freely once set. Spinners have found it difficult to get much grip. Chasing has been the preferred option, as dew can be a factor in the evening, making it harder for the team bowling second to grip the ball. A par score will likely be in the 280-300 range.

PAK vs SA 3rd ODI Weather Report

Cricket fans are in for a treat as the weather forecast for Faisalabad on Saturday is perfect for a full day-night match. The day is expected to be sunny and clear, with zero chance of rain. The temperature will be a pleasant 27°C during the day, dropping to a cooler 13°C in the evening.

PAK vs SA Squads

Pakistan Squad: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan(w), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Faheem Ashraf, Shaheen Afridi(c), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed, Haris Rauf, Faisal Akram, Haseebullah Khan, Hasan Nawaz.

South Africa Squad: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock(w), Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke(c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi, Ottneil Baartman, Rubin Hermann.

PAK vs SA Probable Playing11

Pakistan (PAK): Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Haris Rauf, Mohammad Wasim Jr.

South Africa (SA): Quinton de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Donovan Ferreira, Sinethemba Qeshile, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams.

PAK vs SA Match Prediction

This is a classic top-order batting vs. elite pace bowling matchup. South Africa’s hopes rest heavily on their opening pair of Quinton de Kock and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, who have been in fine form. If they can get the Proteas off to a flying start and negate the threat of Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah, they stand a strong chance.

However, Pakistan has the edge in terms of overall balance. Their batting lineup runs deep with world-class talent like Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, and their three-pronged pace attack is arguably the most potent in the world. Playing in front of a passionate home crowd in a series decider gives them a significant psychological advantage.

While South Africa has the firepower to cause an upset, Pakistan’s more varied and complete bowling attack, coupled with their home advantage, makes them the slight favorites to win the match and the series.

Prediction: Pakistan to win.