The cricketing world is gearing up for an exciting clash as Pakistan hosts South Africa for a two-Test series, kicking off the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 cycle. The first Test begins on October 12, 2025, at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, followed by the second Test from October 20-24 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This series, part of the WTC 2025-27, will be followed by six white-ball matches (three T20Is and three ODIs) from October 28 to November 8.
ICC World Test Championship
This Test series marks the beginning of Pakistan’s campaign in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. For the first time since the WTC’s inception in 2019, Pakistan will open their WTC cycle at home, facing the reigning champions, South Africa, who clinched the 2023-25 title. This presents a golden opportunity for Pakistan to set the tone for the new cycle on familiar turf.
Historically, Pakistan’s WTC campaigns began abroad:
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2019-21: Australia
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2021-23: West Indies
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2023-25: Sri Lanka
Playing at home against a formidable opponent like South Africa adds both pressure and excitement for Shan Masood’s squad.
Pakistan vs South Africa: Head-to-Head Record
Pakistan and South Africa have faced off in 30 Test matches, with South Africa holding the upper hand:
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South Africa wins: 17
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Pakistan wins: 6
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Draws: 7
In matches played in Pakistan (9) and the UAE (4), Pakistan have won 4, South Africa 3, with 6 draws. In WTC encounters specifically, both teams have won two of their four Tests against each other. Pakistan’s last home series against South Africa in January-February 2021 resulted in a 2-0 victory for the hosts, a result they’ll aim to replicate.
Pakistan
Pakistan’s 16-member squad is packed with talent, blending experience with emerging stars. Key performers in previous WTC matches against South Africa include:
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Babar Azam: Scored 315 runs in 4 Tests, with 4 half-centuries. His elegant stroke play will be crucial.
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Mohammad Rizwan: Contributed 283 runs, including a century, and is a reliable wicket-keeper.
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Hasan Ali: Took 12 wickets in 2 WTC matches against South Africa, making him a pivotal figure in the bowling attack.
Other notable players include captain Shan Masood, Shaheen Shah Afridi, and Saud Shakeel, who will look to dominate in home conditions.
South Africa
Led by Aiden Markram, South Africa brings a balanced side accustomed to challenging conditions. Their adaptability will be tested as they transition from South African pitches to Pakistan’s unique surfaces.
Shan Masood (Pakistan)
Speaking to PCB Digital, Masood emphasized the importance of a strong start:
“The main goal for any team is always to win the championship, but for us, it’s about starting off well, and we have got the perfect opposition, the team that won the last Test Championship. To play against them in our home conditions is a great opportunity for us.”
Masood highlighted the significance of home performances, noting that successful WTC teams often excel at home. He aims to establish a winning blueprint for Pakistan.
Aiden Markram (South Africa)
Markram expressed enthusiasm for the challenge:
“It’s an exciting start to the new cycle. It’s great to be in Pakistan, and I am really looking forward to it. It’s going to be a challenging but fun series… We will assess things early, see how the wicket plays, and come up with some good plans.”
South Africa’s success will hinge on their ability to adapt to Pakistan’s conditions while maintaining consistency across all facets of the game.
Series Schedule
Test Matches
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First Test: October 12-16, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Second Test: October 20-24, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
White-Ball Matches
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First T20I: October 28, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
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Second T20I: October 31, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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Third T20I: November 1, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
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First ODI: November 4, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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Second ODI: November 6, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
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Third ODI: November 8, Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
This series is more than just a contest between two cricketing nations; it’s a chance for Pakistan to assert dominance at home and for South Africa to prove their championship pedigree in foreign conditions. The Gaddafi and Rawalpindi pitches are expected to offer a balanced challenge, with early assistance for pacers and potential spin as the matches progress.
For fans, this series promises thrilling cricket, with Pakistan’s dynamic batting line-up and potent bowling attack facing South Africa’s disciplined and versatile squad. The outcome could set the tone for both teams’ WTC 2025-27 campaigns.
The Pakistan vs South Africa Test series is poised to be a blockbuster start to the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27. With a blend of seasoned stars and emerging talents, both teams are ready to battle for early points in the WTC standings. Will Pakistan leverage their home advantage, or will South Africa’s championship experience shine through? Don’t miss the action starting October 12 at Gaddafi Stadium!
