Pakistan and South Africa will play two T20I cricket matches in Lahore this week. Both the T20Is will be played on the 31st of October and the 1st of November at the Gaddafi Stadium. This time, Pakistan and South Africa are not playing a single T20I match in the megacity, Karachi.
Pak-S. Africa 1st T20I in Rawalpindi
Pakistan will take on South Africa in a three-match T20I series starting Tuesday at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. The toss will take place at 7:30 pm, and the match will start at 8 pm local time.
Exciting Contest Ahead After Test Series Draw
Both teams recently played a two-match Test series under the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27. Pakistan won the opening Test in Lahore by 93 runs. South Africa responded strongly and claimed the second Test in Rawalpindi by eight wickets. Therefore, expectations remain high for another competitive battle in white-ball cricket.
Even Record in T20Is Adds More Interest
Pakistan and South Africa have met 24 times in T20Is, winning 12 each. At home, Pakistan led 2-1 in this format. Babar Azam has scored 447 runs in 13 outings against South Africa. Shaheen Shah Afridi has taken 13 wickets in 12 matches.
Babar Azam is going to set new record in T20I
Pakistan’s star batter Babar Azam stands on the brink of another major milestone as he inches closer to becoming the highest run-scorer in T20 International cricket. The right-hander needs just nine runs to surpass former Indian captain Rohit Sharma and claim the top spot in the format’s all-time run chart.
Most runs in men’s T20Is
Rohit Sharma – 4,231 (159 matches)
Babar Azam – 4,223 (128 matches)
Virat Kohli – 4,188 (125 matches)
Jos Buttler – 3,869 (144 matches)
The upcoming three-match T20I series between Pakistan and South Africa, starting today, provides the perfect opportunity for Babar to achieve this record. The first match is scheduled for October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
This series also marks Babar’s return to T20 cricket after a brief break; he last featured in the shorter format in December 2024 against South Africa. With his elegant stroke play and ability to anchor innings under pressure, Babar’s return is expected to bolster Pakistan’s top order significantly.
Salman Ali Agha Confident About Squad Depth
Pakistan captain Salman Ali Agha said the squad includes new faces and returning players. He expressed confidence in his team’s ability and praised the talent available. He expects Pakistan to deliver strong performances through consistent execution.
Pink Kits to Support Breast Cancer Awareness
Pakistan will wear special pink-themed kits in the opening T20I. The initiative supports breast cancer awareness through PCB’s partnership with Pink Ribbon Pakistan.
Global Broadcast Coverage Ensures Wide Reach
A Sports and Ten Sports will broadcast the series in Pakistan. Tapmad and Tamasha will offer live streaming services. International broadcasters include Willow TV, SuperSport, Dialog TV, T Sports, and Cricbuzz.
