Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I prediction, expected lineups, betting tips, best odds and live scorecard
After leveling the Test series 1-1, Pakistan and South Africa now shift focus to the shortest format as they kick off the T20I series on October 28 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium. This marks the start of a fresh challenge for both teams as they prepare for the T20 World Cup next year.
Pakistan enter the series in solid T20 form, having recently reached the Asia Cup 2025 final, while South Africa are looking to bounce back after an inconsistent run that included a loss to Namibia and a drawn series against England. Here’s a look at the 1st T20I prediction, expected lineups, betting tips, best odds, and live scorecard details.
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Pakistan vs South Africa: Who Will Win?
Pakistan are favourites to take the opening T20I, given their strong home record and balanced squad. South Africa’s inconsistency and Miller’s absence tilt the odds in Pakistan’s favour. Expect the hosts to edge this contest.
Head-to-head record: Pakistan vs South Africa in T20Is
Pakistan and South Africa have faced each other 24 times in T20 internationals. Both the teams are levelled in head to head with 12 wins.
- Total matches: 24
- Pakistan wins: 12
- South Africa wins: 12
- Tied/No result: 0
Pakistan vs South Africa Form Guide & Predictions
Pakistan and South Africa are coming into the contest with contrasting form. Pakistan have been consistent in T20 cricket, reaching the Asia Cup 2025 final and winning four of their last five matches. Their batting depth and spin strength make them a formidable side at home.
South Africa, however, have been inconsistent in recent outings. They suffered a shock defeat to Namibia earlier this month and have managed just two wins in their last five T20Is.
Pakistan – Last 5 T20Is
- India won by 5 wickets vs Pakistan (Dubai, Sep 28, 2025)
- Pakistan won by 11 runs vs Bangladesh (Dubai, Sep 25, 2025)
- Pakistan won by 5 wickets vs Sri Lanka (Abu Dhabi, Sep 23, 2025)
- India won by 6 wickets vs Pakistan (Dubai, Sep 21, 2025)
- Pakistan won by 41 runs vs UAE (Dubai, Sep 17, 2025)
South Africa – Last 5 T20Is
- Namibia won by 4 wickets vs South Africa (Windhoek, Oct 11, 2025)
- England won by 146 runs vs South Africa (Manchester, Sep 12, 2025)
- South Africa won by 14 runs vs England (Cardiff, Sep 10, 2025)
- Australia won by 2 wickets vs South Africa (Cairns, Aug 16, 2025)
- South Africa won by 53 runs vs Australia (Darwin, Aug 12, 2025)
The Sporting News Prediction for PAK vs SA
- If Pakistan bat first: 165–185 runs
- If South Africa bat first: 150–165 runs
Expected Result: Pakistan are favourites to win by 5–7 wickets or 20–30 runs, given their recent form and home advantage.
Pakistan vs South Africa: Expected playing XIs and team news
Pakistan Team News
Pakistan will be led by their regular T20I skipper Salman Agha as they look to build a strong combination ahead of the World Cup. The squad features a good mix of experience and explosive young talent.
Babar Azam returns to the side, adding stability to the top order, while power hitters Abdul Samad, Hasan Nawaz, and Sahibzada Farhan strengthen the middle order. On the bowling front, the inclusion of Usman Tariq gives Pakistan an added edge in home conditions.
Pakistan (predicted playing XI): Saim Ayub, Babar Azam, Hasan Nawaz, Abdul Samad, Sahibzada Farhan, Usman Khan (WK), Salman Agha (C), Mohammad Wasim Jr, Naseem Shah, Usman Tariq, Shaheen Shah Afridi
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South Africa Team News
South Africa will be without their regular T20I captain David Miller, who has been sidelined due to injury. In his absence, Donovan Ferreira will take charge of the team for the series. The Proteas have backed a blend of youth and form, with dynamic batters Dewald Brevis and Matthew Breetzke expected to lead the charge at the top.
Left-arm pacer Nandre Burger adds pace and variety to the bowling attack, while the team will look to bounce back after a disappointing run in recent T20Is.
South Africa (predicted playing XI): Tony de Zorzi, Reeza Hendricks, Matthew Breetzke, Dewald Brevis, Donnovan Ferreira (C), Quinton de Kock (WK), George Linde, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams, Nandre Burger, Lungi Ngidi
Players to Watch – Pakistan vs South Africa 1st T20I
Agha Salman (Pakistan): The captain has become one of Pakistan’s most reliable performers in T20Is, scoring 561 runs in 30 innings at a strike rate of 110.21. His ability to anchor the innings while accelerating when needed makes him a key figure in the middle order.
Shaheen Shah Afridi (Pakistan): The left-arm pacer remains Pakistan’s strike weapon in T20Is, with 118 wickets in 92 matches at an impressive average of 21.66.
Nandre Burger (South Africa): Burger brings raw pace and aggression to South Africa’s bowling attack. In his short T20I career so far, he has picked up 6 wickets in 6 matches at an economy of 8.26.
PAK vs. SA betting odds & tips: Who has the edge?
Pakistan enter the first T20I as favourites, priced at 1.77 compared to South Africa’s 2.29, according to Dafabet.
*odds are correct at the time of publish
TSN’s Top 3 Predictions:
- Pakistan to win the series opener with superior home record and stronger recent form.
- Shaheen Afridi is likely to take 2+ wickets in the upcoming match.
- Total Runs Over/Under: Both teams could post totals around or above the 160-mark.
PAK vs. SA live scorecard: 1st T20I
To follow the action between Pakistan vs South Africa live, you can make use of the live scorecard feature on Dafabet’s website.
Navigate to the game of your choice and click the scorecard icon to follow along, and bet live with the action with a trusted Dafabet site.
Where to watch PAK vs. SA 1st T20I in India
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi
- Date & Time (IST): Tuesday, October 28, 3:00 pm (IST)
- Live Telecast & Streaming Details: Youtube
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