Can Pakistan whitewash South Africa, or will the Proteas manage to level the series? For the answer, both teams arrived at Pakistan’s Capital, where they will play the final and decisive encounter on 20 October at Pindi Cricket Stadium. In the opening match of both teams’ campaigns of the World Test Championship 2025-27 cycle, Pakistan outclassed South Africa by 93 runs.
Also Read: Pak vs SA 1st Test 2025: Pakistan Clinch 93-Run Victory.
Pak vs SA 2nd Test: Will Pakistan get 2-0 at Pindi Stadium?
After an outstanding performance in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, especially from the spin unit, fans of the Pakistani team are highly enthusiastic to see their side secure the series and sweep the Proteas at Pindi Cricket Stadium. If they do so, this will hardly be a first for Pakistan, who have already swept their opponents 15 times in Test series, including Australia (3-0), India (3-0), New Zealand (2-0), and others. So now, there is also a great chance for Pakistan to register another series sweep against South Africa.
Playing XI Pakistan (Expected)
Since England’s tour to Pakistan, the country has consistently prepared spin-friendly pitches to challenge foreign sides — a strategy that has proven effective. As a result, Pakistan usually enters matches with three regular spinners and one seamer. However, in the first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, the team opted for two regular spinners, Nouman Ali and Sajid Khan, both of whom performed exceptionally well — particularly Nouman, who hauled ten wickets. Interestingly, despite the spin-friendly surface, Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali were also part of the playing XI. Shaheen justified his inclusion by taking four wickets, while Hasan’s performance remained a question mark.
Due to this, the team management would be inclined to go with one more spinner, most likely Abrar Ahmed, as the Pindi Cricket Stadium pitch is also expected to favour spinners. Therefore, Hasan Ali may be dropped in the next clash against South Africa.
Keeping this in view, Pakistan’s probable playing XI may look like this:
Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Agha Salman, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and Ibrar Ahmed.
Playing XI South Africa (Expected)
After the first defeat, the Proteas are set to field a full-strength squad as their legendary spinner, Keshav Maharaj, has also joined the team. The South African side is expected to make one change; Prenelan Subrayen is likely to be dropped, while Keshav Maharaj will lead the spin department.
With this adjustment, South Africa’s probable lineup may include:
Skipper Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, and Kagiso Rabada.
Pitch Report
Pindi Cricket Stadium is known for its flat surface, where batters have mostly dominated the game. That’s why this pitch is often used for the T20 format. However, according to some predictions, the surface this time will be drier, which will definitely assist the spinners. A little bounce is also expected in Rawalpindi, making it an interesting track for both bowlers and batters.
Key Moment of the Last Match in Pindi
On August 24, 2024, the last Test was played between Pakistan and Bangladesh at Pindi Cricket Stadium, which ended with a historic victory for Bangladesh by 10 runs. Batters completely dominated in the first innings; Pakistan’s score was 448-6 when they declared the innings. However, the visitors responded with their own effort of 565 all out to take a commanding lead.
In the second innings, Pakistani batters fell into the trap of spinners, where Mehidy Hasan and Shakib Al Hasan starred as spin dominated the day, and their seven wickets ripped through Pakistan’s batting. The collapse left a target of 30 for victory. Bangladesh handled that with no trouble, as Zakir Hasan and Shadman Islam knocked off the runs in short order for a famous win.
For Fans’ Excitement
Pakistan Cricket Board aims to engage the fans in the stadium, and for that, they have announced free entry from general seats to the gallery level. In Gaddafi Stadium, the entry was also free for cricket lovers.
However, for the upcoming T20 and ODI series, PCB has announced ticket prices, starting from PKR 400 for general seats and PKR 3,000 for VIP ground floor. The series will begin on 28 October and 4 November, respectively.
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