Tue Oct 28 14:30:00 UTC 2025: ## Pakistan and South Africa Gear Up for T20I Clash in Rawalpindi

Rawalpindi, Pakistan – October 27, 2025 – Pakistan and South Africa are set to face off in the first T20I of their series at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium today at 8 PM local time. This match marks a significant moment as South Africa plays their first-ever T20I in Rawalpindi, joining a short list of international teams including Zimbabwe and New Zealand who have previously played at this venue.

Rawalpindi has hosted eight T20Is since November 2020, with Pakistan claiming victory in four of the six completed matches. Notably, all six completed games were won by the team batting second, suggesting a possible advantage for the team winning the toss.

The return of Babar Azam to the Pakistan T20I squad after a 15-game absence is a major talking point. Head Coach Mike Hesson’s suggestion that Azam may bat at number 3 adds intrigue, considering his usual opening role. Azam replaces Fakhar Zaman, with Hesson citing Zaman’s desire to focus on improving his one-day cricket technique as the reason for the omission. Mohammad Haris has also been left out in favour of Usman Khan.

South Africa, boosted by their recent Test series-levelling victory at the same venue, will be looking to carry that momentum into the T20 format. However, only Tony de Zorzi and Dewald Brevis from that Test XI are in the T20 squad. The team has been hit by injuries, with David Miller (hamstring) and Gerald Coetzee (pectoral muscle) ruled out. They have been replaced by Matthew Breetzke and the uncapped Tony de Zorzi. Donovan Ferreira will captain the side in Miller’s absence.

Possible Lineups:

  • Pakistan: Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Agha (c), Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Usman Khan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Faheem Ashraf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed.
  • South Africa: Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Donovan Ferreira (c), Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Ottneil Baartman, Nqaba Peter, Lungi Ngidi.

Ground Facts: Rawalpindi offers a fast-scoring surface, with an average of 8.18 runs per over in T20Is. Mark Chapman holds the record for the highest individual score (104 not out), while Usman Qadir has the best bowling figures (4/13).

With clear skies and a responsive pitch expected, fans can anticipate an exciting contest. As South Africa look to continue their winning ways in Pakistan, the home side aims to leverage their familiarity with the conditions.

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