Introduction
Cricket fever is back in Pakistan as the South African cricket team arrives for an exciting multi-format tour featuring Tests, T20Is, and ODIs. The most anticipated part of the series is the Pak vs SA T20 2025 contest, starting on October 28, 2025, at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Fans are thrilled to see Babar Azam’s return to the T20 squad after nearly a year of absence, while Shaheen Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Rizwan are set to play key roles in shaping Pakistan’s white-ball future.
📅 Pak vs SA T20 2025 Schedule
Pakistan and South Africa will lock horns in a three-match T20 series right after the Test leg. The full schedule is as follows:
1️⃣ 1st T20I – October 28, 2025, Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
2️⃣ 2nd T20I – October 31, 2025, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
3️⃣ 3rd T20I – November 1, 2025, Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
This T20 series will serve as the perfect preparation for Pakistan ahead of the tri-nation series involving Sri Lanka and Zimbabwe, beginning mid-November.
🏏 Pakistan T20I Squad for SA Series
Captain: Salman Ali Agha
Squad Members:
Babar Azam, Abdul Samad, Abrar Ahmed, Faheem Ashraf, Hasan Nawaz, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Wasim Jr, Mohammad Salman Mirza, Naseem Shah, Sahibzada Farhan, Saim Ayub, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Usman Khan (wk), Usman Tariq
This lineup perfectly blends youth and experience, with Saim Ayub and Usman Khan strengthening the top order, while Naseem Shah and Shaheen Afridi form a lethal pace duo.
🌟 Key Highlights and Selection
The biggest news from the selection meeting is undoubtedly Babar Azam’s comeback to the T20I setup. After being excluded from the shortest format for months, his return signals renewed confidence from Pakistan’s selectors.
White-ball coach Mike Hesson had previously emphasized the need for Babar to “improve a few things.” Now, his inclusion reflects the hard work and form he regained during domestic and franchise tournaments.
Meanwhile, Hasan Ali finds himself out of both ODI and T20 squads, indicating the selectors’ preference for a younger bowling attack led by Shaheen, Naseem, and Wasim Jr.
⚡ South Africa T20 Squad (Expected)
While South Africa has yet to officially announce their squad, the Proteas are expected to bring a strong lineup including Aiden Markram (captain), Quinton de Kock, Heinrich Klaasen, David Miller, Kagiso Rabada, and Anrich Nortje.
This series could also see a few new faces as the team tests its depth ahead of the 2026 T20 World Cup.
🧩 How the Series Shapes Up
The Pak vs SA T20 2025 series is more than just a contest — it’s a battle of comeback stories.
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Pakistan is rebuilding its T20 identity under Salman Ali Agha’s leadership.
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South Africa continues to focus on finding balance between power-hitting and consistent bowling.
The pitches in Rawalpindi and Lahore will favor fast bowlers early on but are expected to become batting-friendly as the games progress.
🥇 Players to Watch
🔹 Babar Azam
The star batter’s return brings both excitement and pressure. Fans will be eager to see if he can regain his T20 dominance.
🔹 Shaheen Shah Afridi
Leading the bowling attack, Shaheen’s pace and accuracy could be the difference in the powerplays.
🔹 Saim Ayub
A future star in the making — Saim’s aggressive approach makes him a key part of Pakistan’s top order.
🔹 David Miller (SA)
Known as “Killer Miller,” his explosive finishing ability could change the course of any match.
📈 Predicted Match Performances
Experts predict Pakistan to start as slight favorites, given home conditions and the return of Babar and Shaheen.
However, South Africa’s depth in all departments ensures it won’t be an easy series.
If Pakistan’s middle order clicks and bowlers stay consistent, the Men in Green could clinch the series 2–1.
💡 My Opinion
In my view, Pakistan’s decision to bring back Babar Azam is the right move. His presence not only strengthens the batting order but also adds confidence and leadership experience.
The team looks more balanced now, and playing at home gives Pakistan a psychological edge.
💬 My Suggestion
Pakistan should use this series to finalize their T20 World Cup core team. Rotating players is important, but consistency in selection will help build chemistry and stability before major tournaments.
🧮 My Calculation
Considering pitch conditions, recent form, and team balance:
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Pakistan’s top three (Saim, Babar, Usman) could score heavily.
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South Africa’s pace attack might trouble the middle order in Rawalpindi.
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Predicted outcome: Pakistan wins 2–1.
👀 My Experience / View
Having followed both teams closely, I’ve noticed that Pakistan’s younger players have become more fearless, especially in T20s.
If they can maintain their composure under pressure, this could be a breakthrough series for the new generation of cricketers like Saim Ayub and Usman Khan.
🏁 Conclusion
The Pak vs SA T20 2025 series promises thrilling action, fierce competition, and emotional comebacks.
With Babar Azam’s return, Shaheen’s leadership, and a mix of young talent, Pakistan fans have every reason to be hopeful.
South Africa, on the other hand, will aim to prove their consistency and adaptability on Asian pitches.
Whatever the result, one thing is certain — this series will be a cricketing spectacle that reignites one of the sport’s most respected rivalries.
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