Published on: Oct 11, 2025 10:00 am IST | Updated on: Oct 10, 2025 4:44 pm IST
Pakistan is all set to play hosts to the World Test Champions, South Africa, in a 2-match Test series starting from October 12 in Lahore. The first Test will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, whereas the second Test will be played in Rawalpindi. This series will be crucial for both teams as it is going to be a part of the ICC World Test Championship Cycle for 2025-27. In this post, we have come up with free expert tips for the 1st Test Match PAK vs SA at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Pakistan and South Africa will be kicking off their WTC Cycle 2025-27 with this series. The reigning World Test Champions played a 2-match Test series against Zimbabwe post their emphatic WTC triumph at the home of cricket, i.e., Lord’s, against Australia, but that series wasn’t a part of the WTC 2025-27 cycle. Pakistan, on the other hand, hasn’t played a Test match for 9 months. Their last Test came against West Indies at home, which they lost by 120 runs. Despite a debacle against West Indies, the hosts Pakistan, will start as the favorites in this game in familiar conditions. Let’s continue with the post and find out the best cricket tips for the 1st Test Match PAK vs SA at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
PAK: 54% win chance SA: 46% win chance
Proteas stand-in skipper would be hoping to get going and continue from where he left in the WTC 2025 final at Lord's. A match winning ton in Lord's should be followed by another good score here.
Saud Shakeel would be keen to contribute in this series, after last two home series didn't go his way. The stylish left-hander will be in the spotlight having scored 698 runs in his last 10 Tests.
The South African new no 3's last Test innings saw him score an unbeaten triple hundred. He will be in contention to score big in this match too.
The Pakistan ODI skipper has been in great touch oflate in red ball cricket. Rizzy has scored 773 runs in hoas last 10 tests at an average of 42.94.
Check out our prediction for the PAK vs SA 1st Test match at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore.
The World Test Champions, South Africa, have an uphill task at hand when they take the field for the first Test of this series at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan has terrorized opposition batters in home conditions. The Proteas pack a punch with their evolving batting unit, but will have to prepare for the potential threat of Noman and Sajid.
For South Africa, in the absence of regular skipper Temba Bavuma, it could be a challenging task to contain Pakistan’s spin threat. The likes of Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, David Bedingham, and Ryan Rickelton will have to be complacent in their approach and ensure that the rest of the batting lineup revolves around them.
Talking about their bowling, the Proteas have horses for courses. They have the fiery speed of Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, along with the classy spin of Simon Harmer and Prenelan Subrayen. Yes, they will miss the services of their prolific left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj, in these conditions, but the team looks solid and ready to challenge Pakistan in their home conditions.
Pakistan will be eager to assert their dominance at home as they gear up to face reigning World Test Champions South Africa in a high-stakes two-match Test series. The first Test, set to begin on October 12 at the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, offers the hosts a golden opportunity to bounce back from their underwhelming drawn series against the West Indies. That result left fans and players alike disappointed, especially given Pakistan’s traditionally strong record on home soil.
With familiar conditions, spin-friendly pitches, and a passionate home crowd behind them, Pakistan should feel confident heading into this contest. Their bowling attack, led by Shaheen Afridi and supported by the prolific spin duo of Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, is well-equipped to exploit the conditions. The batting unit, anchored by Babar Azam and supported by skipper Shan Masood and wicket-keeper Mohammad Rizwan, will need to step up against a formidable South African pace battery.
South Africa, fresh off their World Test Championship triumph, won’t be easy opponents. But Pakistan’s home advantage, coupled with a point to prove, makes them a dangerous side. A strong start in Lahore could set the tone for the series and reignite their red-ball ambitions on the global stage. Let’s move ahead and check the cricket tips.
Matches Played: 30 PAK won: 17 SA won: 6 Draw: 7 RECENT form PAKISTAN: W L L W L RECENT form SOUTH AFRICA: W W W W W
The Proteas have been dominant over Pakistan in head-to-head battles in Test cricket. In the 30 matches played between these two sides, South Africa has won 17 whereas Pakistan has 6 wins to their name. 7 matches between the two sides ended in a draw.
How will the two teams, i.e., Pakistan vs South Africa, fare in the first Test? Let’s take a look.
Aiden Markram (C), Ryan Rickelton, Wiaan Mulder, Tony de Zorzi, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (WK), Marco Jansen, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Simon Harmer
Here’s the pitch and weather report for the 1st Test between South Africa vs Pakistan at the Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore:
Toss Prediction
With dry weather and a flat Gaddafi Stadium pitch expected, the toss-winning captain is likely to bat first. Early batting conditions favor run accumulation before the surface slows down. Spinners may dominate later, making fourth-innings batting tricky. Pakistan will aim to set a total; South Africa may back their chase strength.
Where to Watch Today’s Match
The online live streaming of the 1st Test match of the South Africa Tour of Pakistan will take place live on the FanCode app. The live TV coverage for this series won’t be available in India.
Despite being in a lackluster form in recent times in red ball cricket, Pakistan should fancy their chances in this match playing in familiar conditions. South Africa might find it tough to tackle Pakistan spinners, however if they get over them the Proteas will have a clear path to win the game. But for now, as per many sportsbooks, Pakistan starts as the favoirtes. Therefore, as per our prediction, the hosts, Pakistan, is expected to win the PAK vs SA 1st Test match.