Cricket is more than just a game in Pakistan and South Africa. Over the years, both nations have produced some of the finest players and have engaged in intense battles across all formats - Tests, ODIs, and T20Is. The cricketing rivalry between Pakistan and South Africa is relatively modern compared to older rivalries like England vs Australia. South Africa was banned from international cricket from 1970 to 1991 because of apartheid.
The contention between the Pakistan National Cricket team and the South Africa National Cricket Team timeline has matured over the years into a competitive, skills-rich, and unpredictable battle. From exciting World Cup encounters to nail-biting bilateral series, each game brings satisfaction to hundreds and lots of enthusiasts.
South Africa and Pakistan have been facing each other in T20Is from the earliest days of the format. Their first game took place in February 2007, a few months before the African nation hosted the inaugural ICC Men’s T20 World Cup.
Overall T20I Record
In total, the teams have played 22 T20 matches with nearly even results. Pakistan holds a slight edge with 12 wins, while the Proteas have won 10.
Recent Form
Understanding the recent form of both teams provides additional context to their head-to-head record.
Read also: Read our analysis of the Pakistan vs South Africa T20 match
South Africa
The World Cup runners-up have endured a forgettable run in the T20Is format since the June 29 final in Barbados. In their three bilateral T20I series since the World Cup, the Proteas have lost 3-1 to India at home, drawn 1-1 with Ireland in the United Arab Emirates, and lost 3-0 away to the West Indies.
Last five results (latest first): L L W L L
Pakistan
Similar to South Africa’s run in T20s since their appearance in the final, Pakistan has been in a downward spiral since their runners-up finish at the T20 World Cup in 2022. Since losing to England in the Melbourne final, Pakistan have lost three of their six bilateral series. Their only series victories have come against Zimbabwe (2-1) and Ireland (2-1). The 2009 champions have lost away to England (2-0), drawn at home against a depleted New Zealand side (2-2), lost away to New Zealand (4-1), and away to Afghanistan (2-1).
Last five results (latest first): L W W L L
Team News
Full Highlights | Pakistan vs South Africa T20 Series 2025 | 1st T20I | PCB | M3U1K
South Africa
The hosts will be led by the swashbuckling batter Klaasen in Markram’s absence with Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, and Tristan Stubbs also sitting out. Fast bowler Anrich Nortje and spinner Tabraiz Shamsi return to the T20 side for the first time since the T20 World Cup.
Read also: Pakistan vs South Africa Series: How to Watch
Squad: Heinrich Klaasen (captain), Ottneil Baartman, Matthew Breetzke, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, Patrick Kruger, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, David Miller, Anrich Nortje, Nqaba Peter, Ryan Rickelton, Tabraiz Shamsi, Andile Simelane, Rassie van der Dussen.
Pakistan
After resting a number of T20 regulars for the series against Zimbabwe, including captain Rizwan, Pakistan have brought back Rizwan and Babar for the South African tour.
How to Follow the Series
Al Jazeera’s live text and photo coverage of each game will begin three hours before the match start time.
Read also: Pakistan Football Overview
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tags: #Africa
