Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Shaheen Afridi Captains Pakistan in ODI Series Against Second-String South Africa
Pakistan's cricket team is starting a new series against South Africa.
Shaheen Afridi is leading the Pakistan team in ODIs for the first time.
The game is happening in Faisalabad, a city that hasn't hosted international cricket in 17 years.
South Africa has sent a younger team because their main players are resting or injured, and they are focusing on another big series.
Pakistan is playing with their strongest team and hopes to do better after not performing well recently.
The weather is expected to be nice and the pitch might be good for batters.
Shaheen Afridi will captain Pakistan's ODI team for the first time in the series opener against South Africa.
All three ODIs will be played in Faisalabad, marking the return of international cricket to the Iqbal Stadium after 17 years.
South Africa is fielding a second-string squad led by Matthew Breetzke, with several key players absent.
Pakistan is playing with its first-choice team, aiming to improve their recent performance.
The toss is scheduled for 2:30 PM local time, with a flat pitch expected to favor high scores.
- Who
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan captain), Matthew Breetzke (South Africa captain)
- What
- First One Day International (ODI) match of a three-match series
- When
- This week (specific date not provided, but series kicking off)
- Where
- Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Why
- To begin a three-match ODI series; Pakistan aims for wins after poor run; South Africa is playing a second-string squad due to focus on Test series vs India and injuries.
- Match
- Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI
- Venue
- Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad
- Toss Time
- 2:30 PM Local (3:00 PM IST)
- Pitch Report
- Flat pitch expected for a high-scoring game
- Weather
- Cool day, no rain expected. Max temp 28°C, Min temp 16°C