PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test Match：Day 4

Stumps：Pakistan beat South Africa by 93 runs.

What a showdown in Lahore! Pakistan held their nerve, and the pitch held its turn as they defended 276 on a surface that was practically begging spinners to shine. South Africa, led by young gun Dewald Brevis and the ever-watchful Ryan Rickelton, gave the chase a fair crack, but once those two fell, the writing was on the wall. Noman Ali spun magic yet again with a ten-wicket haul, and Shaheen Afridi came back late to knock over the tail like dominoes. South Africa’s impressive 10-Test winning streak? Toast.

💥Reverse SWING masterclass! Shaheen Afridi wraps it up — 🇵🇰 start their WTC cycle with a statement 🔥#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/nvhGF1gyUe

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 15, 2025

It wasn’t all one-way traffic, though. Brevis lit things up with a fiery 54 off 54, including a cheeky no-look six that had everyone grinning. But Pakistan always had that early lead thanks to their chunky first-innings 378. Once the spinners started digging in, there was no easy way out for the Proteas. A couple of wickets fell before most fans found their seats on Day 4, and though the visitors fought hard, they were always chasing the game. In the end, a 93-run win sealed the deal.

Pakistan kickstart their #WTC27 cycle with a big win over defending champions South Africa 👏 #PAKvSA 📝: https://t.co/Lr9yl9cGbb pic.twitter.com/51oPp0W9Ap

— ICC (@ICC) October 15, 2025

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test Match：Day 3

Stumps：South Africa need 226 runs to win.

South Africa’s ten-match Test winning streak is on the line in Lahore, and things aren’t looking great for them. Set a massive 277 to win, which is the highest ever chase at this ground; they limped to 51 for 2 by stumps on day three. Noman Ali was all over them again, grabbing two quick wickets after already picking up a five-for earlier in the day. Pakistan’s spinners, backed by a 109-run first innings lead and some gutsy second-innings batting, have their foot firmly on the gas.

🔥Babar Azam not holding back — three FOURS in a row 💪#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/Utv54dlyDl

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 14, 2025

Earlier, Tony de Zorzi played a lone hand with a stylish 104, smacking boundaries and bringing up his second century in the subcontinent, but his dismissal triggered a slide. Pakistan’s second innings saw Imam and Agha both score 93, helping build that big lead despite Senuran Muthusamy’s 6-for and a brilliant match haul of 11 wickets. But with South Africa now needing another 226 and eight wickets in hand, the final day promises drama unless Pakistan’s spin twins wrap it up early!

🔥 Another one for Noman Ali! Wiaan Mulder departs for a 🦆 — sharp grab by Salman Ali Agha at first slip 👏#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/IsWC57EMLY

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 14, 2025

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test Match：Day 2

Stumps：South Africa trail by 162 runs.

South Africa’s Day 2 in Lahore was a proper rollercoaster. After bowling out Pakistan for 378. Thanks to Muthusamy’s brilliant 6-for, they started their reply with grit. Rickelton and de Zorzi looked sharp, racking up 71 and 81* respectively, but Pakistan’s spinners weren’t going to stay quiet for long. Noman Ali spun a web around the Proteas, snatching 4 wickets in a sizzling spell that saw South Africa lose 4 for 26 in no time. What was looking like a stable reply quickly turned into a wobbly one.

💥Salman Ali Agha ends the 94-run partnership — superb catch by Babar Azam at first slip 🔥#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/7snw4qpqGX

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 13, 2025

Still, de Zorzi held his nerve. After surviving a few close calls early on, he found his rhythm and began to anchor the innings while watching the middle order crumble around him. A late flurry of boundaries gave South Africa a bit of momentum, but with them still trailing by 162 runs and the pitch starting to misbehave, it’s clear the battle is only heating up. Day 3? Buckle up! This one’s far from over.

Tony de Zorzi leads the Proteas response against Pakistan in Lahore 👊#WTC27 #PAKvSA 📝: https://t.co/Lr9yl9cGbb pic.twitter.com/UvRCezYhwi

— ICC (@ICC) October 13, 2025

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test Match：Day 1

Stumps：Pakistan chose to bat.

Pakistan put on a batting clinic on Day 1 against South Africa in Lahore, ending the day at a strong 313 for 5. Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood laid down a solid foundation with a smooth 161-run partnership, both scoring stylish fifties. Imam just missing out on a ton by 7 runs. After a mini-collapse around tea where Pakistan lost 3 wickets without adding a run, Rizwan and Agha Salman turned the tide with an unbroken 114-run stand that brought the momentum firmly back to the hosts.

👑 Babar Azam becomes the first Asian batter to complete 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship 🔥#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/EeuGGJSmcK

— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 12, 2025

South Africa had their moments, a fiery start from Rabada, a mini hat-trick threat from Muthusamy, and a flurry of lbw shouts, but four dropped catches and missed reviews came back to bite them. Their spin-heavy attack to suit the turning track lacked bite and big-match experience. With the pitch already showing signs of wear, Pakistan will be thrilled with their total, and South Africa might be left wondering what could’ve been if they’d just held their catches.

Pakistan pile on the runs on the opening day in Lahore against the Proteas 👊#WTC27 | #PAKvSA 📝: https://t.co/Lr9yl9cGbb pic.twitter.com/dAdiVVZ00G

— ICC (@ICC) October 12, 2025

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test – Match Details

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test – Predicted XI

Note：The match has not started yet, but updates will be provided regularly once it begins.

You can also click here to view the full Test schedules

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test – The Match History Told the Story

Fresh off the 2025 Asia Cup, Pakistan and South Africa now begin a full three-format series from mid-October to early November as preparation for the 2026 ICC Men’s World Cup. The opening Test will be staged at Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, but match history makes it feel more like South Africa’s backyard. The Proteas have won the 8 out of 13 Test encounters against Pakistan, and also staying unbeaten in the most recent two match ups. Pakistan, in contrast, have slipped badly, just tripped to South Africa again and again. With such a gulf, South Africa appear well placed to extend their dominance once again.

PAK vs RSA – Overall Head-to-Head Record

PAK vs RSA – Last 7 Test Matches

PAK vs RSA – Missing Temba? No Problem

South Africa enter without their regular Test captain, Temba Bavuma, sidelined after an injury on the white-ball tour of England that requires six to eight weeks of recovery. In his absence, Aiden Markram will lead the side. Markram guided South Africa’s U19s to a World Cup title in 2014 and has been entrusted with the T20I captaincy since 2023. He brings leadership experience and proven resilience. Meanwhile, South Africa’s force still remains uneven for Pakistan, Aiden contributed average almost 40 runs and Ryan Rickelton who anchored 259 runs in one inning, adds on fast bowler, Marco Jansen’s 7 wickets taken in the last series with Pakistan. Even without Bavuma, South Africa look strong enough to carry their unbeaten streak forward.

PAK vs RSA – Pakistan’s Glimpse of Hopes on Gaddafi

As hosts, Pakistan will lean on Gaddafi Stadium’s reputation as a surface that eventually offers help to spinners. Their chance lies in surviving South Africa’s pace battery early, spearheaded by Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada. If Pakistan’s batting can withstand that threat, their spinners may find grip later and build pressure. One more thing, open up the battle history of Pakistan, they only 2 Test series victories with South Africa all on their home court, the crowd and the host pressure tend to help them find form in the fight. Will the Gaddafi assist them with the motivation to flip the history?

PAK vs RSA – Conclusion

Rankings tell the story as well. South Africa currently sit at the second of Test cricket, while Pakistan stay in the middle 7 and was weaken in recent years. Unless something dramatic shift, South Africa keeping firm hold of authority in this rivalry will stay for a long time.

PAK vs RSA 2025 1st Test – Venue History&Analysis: Gaddafi Stadium

Stadium Capacity: Around 27,000 spectators

Stadium Address: Ferozepur Road, Gulberg III, Lahore, Pakistan

About the Stadium: 

Opened in 1959 and renamed in 1974, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is Pakistan’s most iconic cricket venue. It has hosted World Cup matches, high-profile Test series, and countless memorable moments for the national team. Known for its distinctive architecture designed by Nayyar Ali Dada, it remains a centerpiece of Pakistan cricket, both for its history and the passionate crowds that fill its stands. The stadium symbolizes not only cricketing heritage but also resilience, as it has welcomed back international tours in recent years, restoring Lahore as a trusted host for international cricket and reviving the city’s cultural pride.

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is traditionally flat and batting-friendly, often producing high scores and long innings. Early on, bowlers, especially seamers, find little assistance, making the first two days tough for breakthroughs. As matches progress into the fourth and fifth days, cracks begin to form, offering grip and turn for spinners. This balance makes it a ground where batters dominate early, while spinners increasingly influence outcomes later in the Test. The contrasting phases provide an enduring challenge for both sides, rewarding patient batting and quality spin, while ensuring every Test played here carries the potential for drama and results.

All Pakistan vs South Africa 2025 Test Match:

• PAK vs RSA 2025 2nd Test – Fast Bowlers Will Eat Pakistan Alive