International cricket returns to Faisalabad with Pakistan, South Africa ODIs

FAISALABAD: International cricket returns to Faisalabad after a 17-year hiatus as Pakistan and South Africa lock horns in the first ODI of a three-match series at the historic Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday (today). The contest marks a new chapter for Pakistan, with left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi set to lead the national side in the 50-over format for the first time.

Both teams enter the series with contrasting momentum. Pakistan are buoyed by their recent 2-1 T20I series win over the Proteas, while South Africa arrive with a depleted squad and a point to prove. The series carries added significance as both sides aim to climb the ICC World Cup Super League standings, where Pakistan currently sit fifth and South Africa sixth.

Historically, South Africa have dominated the head-to-head in ODIs, winning 52 of the 87 encounters. However, Pakistan hold a slight edge at home, with both teams winning eight matches apiece out of 16. In Faisalabad, Pakistan have won two of the three ODIs played against South Africa, including their last meeting at the venue in 2007.

The hosts will rely heavily on their top-order firepower, with Fakhar Zaman, Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Salman Ali Agha, and Mohammad Rizwan expected to anchor the batting. Afridi, along with Haris Rauf, Faheem Ashraf, and Naseem Shah, will spearhead the pace attack, while Mohammad Nawaz, Abrar Ahmed, and Ayub offer spin options.

South Africa, led by Matthew Breetzke, are missing several senior players including Aiden Markram, David Miller, and Kagiso Rabada. The squad features uncapped talents like Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, and Lhuan-dre Pretorius, with the team management hoping to unearth new match-winners. The Proteas will depend on the experience of Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, and Breetzke himself to stabilize the batting, while Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, and George Linde will be key with the ball.

The pitch at Iqbal Stadium is expected to offer moderate scoring opportunities, with an average first innings total of 228. Pakistan’s familiarity with the conditions could prove decisive, especially under cooler weather and potential dew, which may influence both captains to bowl first.

With the 2027 ICC World Cup on the horizon, both teams are in the midst of squad building and experimentation. For Pakistan, this series is a chance to reset their ODI form, having lost nine of their last eleven matches this year. For South Africa, it’s an opportunity to test depth and resilience in unfamiliar territory.

The toss is scheduled for 2:30 PM local time, with the first ball to be bowled at 3:00 PM. As Faisalabad welcomes back international cricket, all eyes will be on Afridi’s leadership and whether Pakistan can convert home advantage into a winning start.

Squads:

Pakistan: Shahen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile, Corbin Bosch, George Linde, Ottneil Baartman, Nandre Burger, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Nqabayomzi Peter, Lizaad Williams, Gerald Coetzee.