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Pakistan and South Africa Clash in Crucial Test Series Opener
12 Oct
Summary
- Pakistan and South Africa begin new WTC cycle with 2-match Test series
- Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan return for Pakistan
- South Africa led by Aiden Markram, Temba Bavuma out injured
As of October 12th, 2025, Pakistan and South Africa are preparing to face off in a highly anticipated 2-match Test series that marks the start of a new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle for both teams.
This series holds special significance for Pakistan, as it will be the first time they are playing their opening WTC series at home. The two teams have a long-standing rivalry, having played 30 Tests against each other, with Pakistan winning 6 and losing 17, while 7 matches ended in draws.
In the previous WTC cycle, both teams had won 2 Tests each. South Africa had last toured Pakistan in 2021, with the hosts winning the series 2-0. All eyes will be on the return of Pakistan's star players Babar Azam and Mohammad Rizwan, who will be looking to get among the runs.
South Africa, on the other hand, will be led by Aiden Markram, as regular captain Temba Bavuma is out injured. The visitors' pace attack, featuring the likes of Marco Jansen and Kagiso Rabada, is expected to provide a stern test for the Pakistani lineup.
The first Test will be played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, with the toss scheduled for 10 AM IST on October 12th. There will be no live broadcast in India, but the match will be streamed live on the FanCode app and website.
