Archive · 4 Nov 2025
Shaheen Afridi to Captain Pakistan ODI Team as Cricket Returns to Faisalabad
Pakistan is starting a new cricket series against South Africa, and a new captain named Shaheen Afridi will lead the Pakistan team for the first time in this type of game (ODI).
This is a special series because the games are being played in the city of Faisalabad, where international cricket hasn't happened for 17 years!
The South African team is not bringing all of its best players for this series.
Their captain, Matthew Breetzke, is also very new to leading this type of team.
Pakistan, on the other hand, is playing with its strongest players.
They hope to win some games after not doing so well recently.
The cricket ground is expected to be good for hitting lots of runs, and the weather should be nice.
Shaheen Afridi will captain Pakistan's ODI team for the first time in a series against South Africa.
The first ODI marks the return of international cricket to Faisalabad after a 17-year gap.
South Africa is fielding a second-string squad, with Matthew Breetzke leading the team.
Pakistan is playing with its first-choice team following a period of poor results.
The match is expected to be a high-scoring encounter on a flat pitch, with clear weather.
- Who
- Shaheen Afridi (Pakistan captain), Matthew Breetzke (South Africa captain)
- What
- First One Day International (ODI) match of a three-match series
- When
- Toss at 2:30 PM Local time, followed by the match.
- Where
- Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Why
- Shaheen Afridi begins his ODI captaincy era; International cricket returns to Faisalabad after a 17-year gap.
Pakistan
South Africa
Squad Strength
Pakistan
Pakistan is fielding its first-choice team.
South Africa
South Africa is fielding a second-string squad due to focus on other series and injuries.
Captaincy Experience
Pakistan
Shaheen Afridi is captaining the ODI team for the first time, with a recent history of captaincy in T20Is.
South Africa
Matthew Breetzke is leading the team in just his 7th ODI, with a record-breaking start to his captaincy in this format.
- Match
- Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st ODI
- Venue
- Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Toss Time
- 2:30 PM Local (3:00 PM IST)
- Pitch Report
- Flat pitch expected, suitable for high-scoring game
- Weather Report
- Cool day, no rain expected; Max 28°C, Min 16°C
- Pakistan Captain
- Shaheen Afridi
- South Africa Captain
- Matthew Breetzke