Faisalabad, November 4, 2025: Pakistan have won the toss and elected to bowl first in the opening One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday.
The match marks Shaheen Shah Afridi’s debut as Pakistan’s ODI captain, with the left-arm pacer leading a balanced side featuring two frontline fast bowlers — Shaheen Afridi and Naseem Shah.
Pakistan’s playing XI: Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Shah Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
Meanwhile, South Africa have suffered a major blow ahead of the series opener, with middle-order batter Dewald Brevis ruled out due to a shoulder injury.
South Africa’s playing XI: Matthew Breetzke (c), Quinton de Kock (wk), Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius (wk), Sinethemba Qeshile, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams.
Historically, the two sides have met 87 times in ODIs, with South Africa winning 52 matches and Pakistan securing 34 victories. One match ended without a result.
Before the ODI series, Pakistan clinched the three-match T20I series 2–1, bouncing back strongly after losing the opener to win the next two games. The home side will now look to carry that momentum into the 50-over format as Shaheen begins his new leadership chapter.
