South Africa tour of Pakistan: 1st ODI | Faisalabad | November 04 | Pre-Match Discussion

[The Bald Eagle]

Pre-Match Discussion: Pakistan vs South Africa - 1st ODI
This highly-anticipated match, the first of the three-game ODI series, marks a significant moment as international cricket returns to the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad for a major series.

Match & Venue Details
* Match: 1st ODI, South Africa tour of Pakistan, 2025
* Teams: Pakistan (PAK) vs South Africa (SA)
* Date: Tuesday, November 4, 2025
* Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

* Time: The match is scheduled to start in the afternoon (e.g., 2:30 PM IST / 3:00 PM local time).
Pitch & Conditions Preview (Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad)
The Iqbal Stadium has a rich history, and the conditions for this match are a key talking point:
* Historical Tendencies: The venue has traditionally offered a balanced contest between bat and ball. Historical ODI stats suggest an average first innings score of around 228, though modern limited-overs cricket could see higher totals.
* Pace vs. Spin: Historically, pacers have enjoyed a greater share of the wickets (approximately 65%) compared to spinners (around 35%).
* Toss Factor: The pitch has been quite neutral in terms of teams batting first vs. chasing, with historical wins being split almost evenly (50% batting first, 50% bowling first).

Series Context & Key Players
Both teams will be looking to start the ODI series with a win, especially following what was an intense and closely contested T20I series (which may have been a 1-1 tie heading into a decider, based on recent reports).
* For Pakistan (PAK): The focus will likely be on their formidable top-order batting and the combination of pace and spin in the middle overs. Captain Salman Ali Agha will be looking to build momentum against a strong touring side. Players like Babar Azam and Shaheen Shah Afridi will be crucial for the home team's performance.

* For South Africa (SA): The Proteas often bring a powerful batting line-up and a varied pace attack. With key players making a comeback for the ODI format, they will be aiming to stamp their authority early in the series. The performances of players like Quinton de Kock and the returning fast bowlers will be vital for the visitors.

The opening match in Faisalabad is not just a game; it's a celebration of international cricket returning to the city, promising a high-energy atmosphere and an intense contest between two competitive teams.

 

[sweep_shot]

I think Pakistan should win the ODI series 2-1 (same as the T20 series).

 

[BouncerGuy]

Good to see Faisalabad back in the hosting lineup... Many many years later.


Pakistan has the upper hand, so should be winning.

 

[Nikhil_cric]

Good to see some more ODI cricket. Sick and tired of the amount of T20 cricket being played.

 

[Kianig89]

I hope the facilities are top notch. around 2 decades Faisalabad hosted an international game

 

[sweep_shot]

I hope the facilities are top notch. around 2 decades Faisalabad hosted an international game

Last time Faisalabad hosted an ODI game was back in 2008.

Last time Faisalabad hosted a Test was back in 2006.

Faisalabad has never hosted an international T20.

 

[BouncerGuy]

Last time Faisalabad hosted an ODI game was back in 2008.

Last time Faisalabad hosted a Test was back in 2006.

Faisalabad has never hosted an international T20.

Good to see Faisalabad back in action.... Not sure what kind of pitches will be on offer here now

 

[sweep_shot]

Good to see Faisalabad back in action.... Not sure what kind of pitches will be on offer here now

It was flat in the 2000's. I don't know how it is now. Let's see.

 

[Kianig89]

Its Faisalabad where Jayasuriya started his slambang in 96

 

[Energy]

Historic Faisalabad stadium. Hopefully it's upgraded and doesn't look like the 80s.

 

[Vikram1989]

Any idea about dew issues? Any games happened in psl? Pitch images from the wiki looks quite ugly.hope its old ones.

 

[GoUgandaCranes]

Historic Faisalabad stadium. Hopefully it's upgraded and doesn't look like the 80s.

Good news for you, it looks like the 70s now.

There are no chairs for 90% of the crowd. Too many barbed wires on the fence that separates the playing field from the crowd. The lights have not been upgraded so we will have older lights. The SMD screen upgrade is not completed yet, it's said that it will be done but let's see.

The dressing rooms and other player facilities also look old.

 

[globetrotter]

This is definitely South african B side as South african A side is playing against India

 

[DeadlyVenom]

The stadium hasn't seen any investment and will look ugly on the TV.

But it's a big step forward for the region as it has missed out on cricket for a long time.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

The stadium will probably look ghastly. Last time there was international cricket here was 2006. On top of that, smog might be a factor too at night.

 

[Noor79]

1- Fakhar zaman
2- Saim ayub
3- Babar azam
4- Rizwan
5- hassan Nawas
6- Salman agha
7- Nawas
8- shaheen
9- faheem
10-wasim jnr
11-Faisal akram

 

[Noor79]

Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub can provide a solid opening partnership, . Rizwan's wicket-keeping and batting skills are valuable assets. The pace attack looks formidable with Shaheen Afridi and Wasim Jr leading the charge. Faheem Ashraf's all-round skills can also be usefu

 

[BouncerGuy]

1- Fakhar zaman
2- Saim ayub
3- Babar azam
4- Rizwan
5- hassan Nawas
6- Salman agha
7- Nawas
8- shaheen
9- faheem
10-wasim jnr
11-Faisal akram

Solid 11 but I think Abrar will play and I dont think Hesson and co are willing to give wasim jr a single game here... Haris or Naseem will play ahead