The Pakistan vs. South Africa clash in the 2025 ODI Tri-Series is pivotal, with both teams vying for a spot in the final against New Zealand. Hosted in Karachi and Lahore, this series serves as a critical warm-up ahead of the ICC Champions Trophy. Below, we list everything you need to know about the Pakistan vs South Africa showdown, including schedules, squads, and live-streaming details.
Tri-Series Overview: Why Pakistan vs South Africa Matters
The ODI Tri-Series, featuring Pakistan, South Africa, and New Zealand, runs from February 8–14, 2025, offering high-stakes cricket ahead of the Champions Trophy. For Pakistan vs South Africa, the third league match on February 12 is a virtual semi-final, with the winner advancing to face New Zealand in the final.
- Pakistan’s Momentum: After a 78-run loss to New Zealand, the hosts aim to bounce back. Fakhar Zaman’s in the opener showed promise, but inconsistent batting cost them.
- South Africa’s Challenge: Despite Matthew Breetzke’s 150 in their loss to New Zealand, the Proteas’ bowling faltered. A win here is crucial for their Champions Trophy preparations.
Pakistan vs. South Africa: Match Schedule and Venue
The Pakistan vs. South Africa match is the final league game of the Tri-Series. Here’s the detailed schedule:
| Date | Match | Venue | Time (IST) |
|---|---|---|---|
| February 12 | Pakistan vs. South Africa | National Stadium, Karachi | 2:30 PM |
- Toss Time: 2:00 PM IST.
- Context: Both teams lost to New Zealand earlier, making this a must-win game.
The series began in Lahore, with New Zealand dominating both Pakistan and South Africa. The final will be held in Karachi on February 14,
Squads: Key Players to Watch
Pakistan Squad
Led by Mohammad Rizwan, Pakistan’s squad blends experience and youth:
- Batters: Babar Azam, Fakhar Zaman, Saud Shakeel
- Bowlers: Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf (injured for Feb 12 match), Naseem Shah.
South Africa Squad
Under Temba Bavuma, South Africa fields a mix of debutants and veterans:
- Batters: Matthew Breetzke (centurion in the last match), Kyle Verreynne
- Bowlers: Gerald Coetzee, Senuran Muthusamy.
Player Spotlight:
- Fakhar Zaman (PAK): His aggressive starts are vital for Pakistan’s chase.
- Matthew Breetzke (SA): The rookie’s 150 against NZ makes him a threat.
Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
The Pakistan vs. South Africa match will be accessible globally. Here’s where to watch:
| Country | TV Channel | Streaming Platform | |
|---|---|---|---|
| India | Sony Sports Network | FanCode | |
| Pakistan | PTV Sports, Ten Sports | Tapmad, Tamasha | |
| South Africa | SuperSport | SuperSport App | |
| UK | ARY Digital | N/A | |
| USA/Canada | Willow TV | Sling TV | |
| Australia | N/A | Cricbuzz (MENA/SE Asia) |
Match Preview: Pakistan vs South Africa
Pakistan’s Strengths:
- Spin Attack: Abrar Ahmed’s 2-wicket haul against NZ could trouble SA’s middle order.
- Home Advantage: Karachi’s pitch favors pace early on, aiding Shaheen Afridi’s swing.
South Africa’s Opportunities:
- Power Hitters: Breetzke and Wiaan Mulder (60 off 45 balls vs. NZ) can accelerate.
- Weakness in PAK Bowling: Haris Rauf’s injury leaves Pakistan’s death overs vulnerable.
Table of Contents
FAQs: Your Questions Answered
Q1: What time does Pakistan vs South Africa start?
- A: 2:30 PM IST (2:00 PM local time) on February 12,
Q2: Where is the match being played?
- A: National Stadium, Karachi.
Q3: How to watch in the USA?
- A: Willow TV via Sling TV.
Q4: Who is Pakistan’s captain?
- A: Mohammad Rizwan.
Q5: Is this a must-win game?
- A: Yes! The winner faces New Zealand in the final.
Final Thoughts
The Pakistan vs South Africa clash is more than just a Tri-Series game—it’s a battle for momentum ahead of the Champions Trophy. With live streaming available globally, cricket fans won’t miss a moment of this high-voltage encounter. Tune in to see if Pakistan’s home advantage or South Africa’s explosive batting prevails!
