Pakistan Win Toss to Bat Against South Africa in 2nd ODI
FAISALABAD – Pakistan captain Shaheen Afridi won the toss and decided to bat first against South Africa in the second One Day International (ODI) of the three-match series being played at the Iqbal Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad, on Thursday, November 6, 2025.
The decision comes after Pakistan’s impressive performance in the first ODI, which gave them a 1-0 lead in the series. The hosts will now look to capitalize on home conditions and secure a series win.
Playing XIs for the Second ODI
Pakistan:
Saim Ayub, Fakhar Zaman, Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Hussain Talat, Faheem Ashraf, Mohammad Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi (c), Naseem Shah, Mohammad Wasim Jr.
South Africa:
Quinton de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Tony de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Sinethemba Qeshile, Donovan Ferreira, George Linde, Corbin Bosch, Bjorn Fortuin, Lungi Ngidi, Lizaad Williams.
Both teams appear well-balanced, with Pakistan relying on their experienced top order and pace attack, while South Africa will be banking on their all-round depth and fast bowling unit to make an impact.
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Head-to-Head Record in ODIs
Pakistan and South Africa have met 88 times in One Day Internationals (ODIs). The Proteas hold a slight advantage historically, but Pakistan have shown significant improvement in recent years, especially in home conditions.
- Matches Played: 88
- Pakistan Won: 35
- South Africa Won: 52
- No Result: 1
The statistics suggest a competitive rivalry, with Pakistan hoping to close the gap further in this series.
Form Guide and Series Context
Pakistan’s recent form: W, L, L, W, L
South Africa’s recent form: L, L, W, W, L
Pakistan enter this fixture with growing confidence after winning the T20I series and the first ODI, giving them early control of the tour. Despite previous ODI series setbacks against New Zealand and the West Indies, Pakistan’s young squad under Shaheen Afridi looks hungry to dominate at home.
South Africa, led by Matthew Breetzke, will be eager to bounce back and keep the series alive. The Proteas’ recent victory over England in the ODI format shows they have the potential to turn things around quickly.
What to Expect
The Faisalabad pitch is traditionally known for assisting batsmen early on but tends to offer some turn to spinners later in the match. With evening dew expected, Pakistan’s decision to bat first indicates confidence in their batting lineup and a strategy to put South Africa under scoreboard pressure.
Fans are expecting another thrilling contest as two world-class sides battle for dominance in what promises to be an entertaining ODI encounter.
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