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

 

[Nasty Naz]

Hope we don't see nonsense like Talat/Faheem/Nawaz all in the same lineup to "deepen" our batting and have zero regards for the bowling aspect.

This team has lost 8 of their last 9 ODI with the lone win coming thanks to an incredible performance from Hasan Nawaz on his debut. Pakistan can't afford to take anyone lightly no matter what the squad might look like. This is an awful team and has been for some time in ODI's now.

 

[Katwalindian]

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

I don't knew about B side but only aiden markarm and keshav maharaj is missing from eleven which played against Australia recently......so 7 to 8 players are A listers....

 

[Rana]

Need a proper number 4

Not a circus clown in that position.

 

[PakFan2010]

Why is Farhan not in the ODI team?

 

[Devadwal]

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

If I'm not Wrong India had played a test here in 2006 where dhoni scored 140+ runs it was run feast test which ended with a boring draw

 

[YousafTheBeast]

Strange how they’ve managed to host an international game before the PSL even got there.

 

[gazza619]

Need a proper number 4

Not a circus clown in that position.

It’s quite disappointing that neither M Haris, Usman Khan, nor Azam Khan made it into the squad. Any one of them would have been an excellent choice for the number 4 spot. Their inclusion could have significantly strengthened our line-up.

 

[Rana]

It’s quite disappointing that neither M Haris, Usman Khan, nor Azam Khan made it into the squad. Any one of them would have been an excellent choice for the number 4 spot. Their inclusion could have significantly strengthened our line-up.

Sarcasm doesn’t suit those who claim there are 33 players in KPK who will bang Pakistan…

And then disowning 2/33 in Harris and Farhan

 

[gazza619]

Sarcasm doesn’t suit those who claim there are 33 players in KPK who will bang Pakistan…

And then disowning 2/33 in Harris and Farhan

I fully appreciate the tough situation you’re in with having Riz and Babar in the squad. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for you. Your patience during this difficult time is truly commendable, and I wanted to let you know that it doesn’t go unnoticed. Hang in there, and know that your resilience is admired by all of us.

 

[Rana]

I fully appreciate the tough situation you’re in with having Riz and Babar in the squad

I’m not the one writing up posts as if I have been abducted by Aliens and returned back to the world.

Hear it again from me. Pakistan needs a proper number 4. Not a lipstick wearing, face paint circus clown jumping up and down like a Jack in the box.

It’s a serious batting position. Is that too difficult to understand?

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

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

Lol what alternative reality are you living in? Pakistan just lost a bilateral series to West Indies. Before that they lost to a series to New Zealand B. Before that they got eliminated from the Champions Trophy in the first round without winning a match. Mohammad Wasim Jr. hasn't even played an ODI in 7 months.

 

[RedwoodOriginal]

Faisalabad has always had the reputation of being a flat pitch. I suspect it will be the same for this match.

 

[topspin]

I fully appreciate the tough situation you’re in with having Riz and Babar in the squad. I can only imagine how challenging it must be for you. Your patience during this difficult time is truly commendable, and I wanted to let you know that it doesn’t go unnoticed. Hang in there, and know that your resilience is admired by all of us.

You would be an expert on tough situations following the knockout blows you recieved during the Babar v Khawaja debate.

 

[Kianig89]

saim
Fakhar
babar
Rizwan
Agha
H.Nawaz
nawaz
faheem
naseem
Ssa
Abrar

 

[gazza619]

Pakistan needs a proper number 4. @

Just like how Pakistan needed a serious number 3 in T20s, the position which has now been filled by match winner Babar?

 

[gazza619]

You would be an expert on tough situations following the knockout blows you recieved during the Babar v Khawaja debate.

Here is a quick lesson about the importance of contributing relevant points to an ongoing discussions. It's crucial that we all try to say something that adds value to the conversation. If you find that you're struggling to come up with something pertinent, it's perfectly fine to take a step back and let others lead the discussion.

 

[The Bald Eagle]

International cricket returns to Faisalabad after 17 years as Pakistan and South Africa face off in a three-match ODI series, commencing from Tuesday, 4 November, at the Iqbal Stadium. The remaining matches will be played on 6 and 8 November at the same venue.

The toss will take place at 2.30pm local time, while the first ball of the match will be bowled at 3pm.

The last international match at the Iqbal Stadium was played on 11 April 2008, when Pakistan defeated Bangladesh in an ODI by seven wickets. The historic venue has hosted 16 ODIs to date, including four World Cup matches – one in 1987 and three in 1996.

Pakistan have featured in 12 ODIs at this ground, winning nine and losing three. South Africa, on the other hand have played five ODIs here, winning two and losing three. Across all ODIs between the two sides, Pakistan and South Africa have met 87 times, with Pakistan winning 34 and South Africa emerging victorious in 52 encounters. In Pakistan, both teams have won eight matches each out of 16.

In Faisalabad, Pakistan and South Africa have contested in three ODIs. Pakistan have won on two occasions (in 1994 and 2007), while South Africa secured victory in one (2003).

This ODI series follows a competitive Test and T20I series, where the two-match Test series ended in a 1-1 draw, while Pakistan claimed the T20I series 2-1.

Left-arm fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi will lead Pakistan for the first time in ODIs.

In the current Pakistan squad, among batters, Babar Azam has scored 744 runs in 15 matches, while in the bowling unit, Shaheen has 25 scalps to his name from 13 outings.

Talking to the media after the team’s training session at the Iqbal Stadium, Shaheen said:

“It is exciting to see international cricket return to Faisalabad after 17 years. We are looking forward to performing well against South Africa. The team played good cricket in the T20I series and we aim to carry that momentum into the ODIs.”

Pakistan ODI squad:

Shahen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

Schedule:

4 November – First ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

6 November – Second ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

8 November – Third ODI at Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad

 

[Dr_Bassim]

Pakistan should be ATG ODI side again with Riz and Babar back in the side.

How about they open here as well?

So fans can have their usual eruptive convulsions.

 

[TheSultan]

I hope haseebullah gets a fair run and wasim finally gets a game

 

[RidiculousMan]

1. Saim
2. Fakhar
3. Babar
4. Rizwan
5. Hasan
6. Salman
7. Nawaz
8. Wasim Jr
9. Naseem
10. Shaheen
11. Abrar

 

[topspin]

Here is a quick lesson about the importance of contributing relevant points to an ongoing discussions. It's crucial that we all try to say something that adds value to the conversation. If you find that you're struggling to come up with something pertinent, it's perfectly fine to take a step back and let others lead the discussion.

I agree but you also need to take heed to your own advice, when you produce hyperbole like "33 players from KPK are good enough to play for Pakistan".

 

[Rana]

Get that Haseebullah kid in against this South African team

Give him all 3 games. When else are you going to give him international exposure? Directly in the 50 over World Cup?

 

[Rana]

I agree but you also need to take heed to your own advice, when you produce hyperbole like "33 players from KPK are good enough to play for Pakistan".

And then he backtracks by slating off 2-3 of them because they are direct competitors to his hero Rizwan

 

[Rana]

I hope haseebullah gets a fair run and wasim finally gets a game

He should play all 3 games

Sit Rizwan out. No need to play him.

 

[Aami]

Everyone should get a chance, world cup 2 years away.

ill go with..

Fakhar
Saim
Babar
Hasan
Sal
Haseebullah
Nawaz
Faheem/Talat
Afridi
Wasim
Faisal

Riz, Rauf, Naseem, Abrar can sit out

 

[Rana]

They have 3 games against this South Africa A side and then they will have 3 games against Sri Lanka very soon. That’s 6 ODI’s in a short space of time.

Everyone in the squad should get 2-3 games max. The youngsters Nawaz and Haseebullah all 6 games.

 

[sweep_shot]

Get that Haseebullah kid in against this South African team

Give him all 3 games. When else are you going to give him international exposure? Directly in the 50 over World Cup?

Agree.

These bilaterals should be an opportunity to test out youngsters.

South Africa themselves are testing out youngsters in the LOI leg.