south africa national cricket team vs pakistan national cricket team match scorecard
The rivalry between the South Africa national cricket team and the Pakistan national cricket team has always delivered exciting cricket moments. In their latest clash during the South Africa tour of Pakistan in 2025-26, the 3rd ODI stood out as a decisive game. Played on November 8, 2025, at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, this day-night match saw Pakistan dominate to win the series 2-1. This article dives into the full South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard, breaking down performances, key stats, and insights. Whether you’re a fan tracking scores or analyzing strategies, this detailed look offers everything you need.
The series was part of a broader tour that included Tests, T20Is, and ODIs. South Africa arrived with high hopes, but Pakistan’s home advantage shone through. The 3rd ODI was crucial after the teams split the first two games. Pakistan’s spinners and openers played pivotal roles, leading to a comfortable victory. Let’s explore the South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard step by step.
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard Overview
The match scorecard highlights a low-scoring affair where bowling trumped batting. South Africa, batting first after winning the toss, crumbled to 143 all out in 37.5 overs. Pakistan chased the target with ease, reaching 144/3 in just 25.1 overs, winning by 7 wickets with 149 balls to spare.
This result gave Pakistan their first home ODI series win over South Africa. The match rate was steady, with South Africa’s run rate at 3.77 and Pakistan’s at 5.72. Key factors included spin-friendly conditions and disciplined bowling from Pakistan. The game also marked the ODI debut for South Africa’s Rubin Hermann.
Venue and Playing Conditions
Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad hosted this encounter under lights. Known for its balanced pitches, the surface favored spinners as the game progressed. Day-night conditions added swing early on, but dew later helped the chasing side. Temperatures hovered around comfortable levels, with no rain interruptions. The pitch report suggested a par score of around 250, but South Africa’s collapse fell short.
Team Lineups
Both teams fielded strong squads in the match blending experience with youth.
Pakistan XI:
- Fakhar Zaman
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper)
- Salman Agha
- Hussain Talat
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain)
- Faheem Ashraf
- Abrar Ahmed
- Haris Rauf
South Africa XI:
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Quinton de Kock (wicket-keeper)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Matthew Breetzke (captain)
- Rubin Hermann
- Donovan Ferreira
- Corbin Bosch
- Bjorn Fortuin
- Nqabayomzi Peter
- Nandre Burger
- Lungi Ngidi
Notable absences included rested players from earlier games, allowing debuts and rotations in the South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match.
South Africa Innings Breakdown
South Africa started steadily but lost momentum against Pakistan’s attack. Their innings folded quickly after a promising opening stand.
Key Batting Performances
Quinton de Kock led with 53 runs off 70 balls, including 6 fours and 1 six. His half-century came in 68 balls, providing stability. Lhuan-dre Pretorius supported with 39 runs off 45 balls, hitting 4 fours and 1 six. The pair added 72 runs for the first wicket.
However, the middle order struggled. Tony de Zorzi scored just 2, Matthew Breetzke managed 16, and debutant Rubin Hermann got 1. Donovan Ferreira added 7, while Nqabayomzi Peter was the only other double-digit scorer with 16. The tail offered little resistance, with extras contributing 3 runs.
Fall of Wickets
The collapse was rapid in the team match:
- 1-72 (Pretorius, 14.2 overs)
- 2-87 (de Zorzi, 18.5 overs)
- 3-106 (de Kock, 24.3 overs)
- 4-109 (Hermann, 25.1 overs)
- 5-117 (Ferreira, 27.3 overs)
- 6-117 (Bosch, 27.4 overs)
- 7-122 (Fortuin, 28.6 overs)
- 8-130 (Breetzke, 33.2 overs)
- 9-143 (Peter, 37.4 overs)
- 10-143 (Ngidi, 37.5 overs)
Milestones included 50 runs in 11.1 overs and 100 runs in 23.3 overs.
Pakistan Bowling Highlights
Pakistan’s bowlers, especially spinners, dismantled South Africa. Abrar Ahmed starred with 4/27 in 10 overs, including a double-wicket maiden. Mohammad Nawaz took 2/31, and Salman Agha grabbed 2/18. Shaheen Shah Afridi finished with 2/18, including the last two wickets.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Shaheen Shah Afridi | 4.5 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 3.72 |
| Saim Ayub | 7 | 0 | 30 | 0 | 4.28 |
| Haris Rauf | 3 | 0 | 17 | 0 | 5.66 |
| Salman Agha | 4 | 0 | 18 | 2 | 4.50 |
| Abrar Ahmed | 10 | 1 | 27 | 4 | 2.70 |
| Mohammad Nawaz | 9 | 0 | 31 | 2 | 3.44 |
South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team Match Scorecard: Pakistan Innings Breakdown
Chasing 144, Pakistan approached with aggression, led by their openers.
Key Batting Performances
Saim Ayub smashed 77 runs off 70 balls, with 11 fours and 1 six. His fifty came in 39 balls. Mohammad Rizwan anchored with an unbeaten 32 off 45 balls, including 3 fours and 1 six. Babar Azam contributed 27 off 32 balls with 5 fours. Salman Agha finished not out on 5.
Fakhar Zaman fell for a duck early, but partnerships rebuilt the innings.
Fall of Wickets
- 1-0 (Zaman, 0.2 overs)
- 2-65 (Azam, 10.2 overs)
- 3-130 (Ayub, 23.4 overs)
Key stands: 65 runs for the second wicket and 65 runs for the third.
South Africa Bowling Highlights
South Africa’s attack couldn’t contain Pakistan. Nandre Burger took 1/29, Bjorn Fortuin 1/34. Others like Lungi Ngidi and Corbin Bosch went wicketless.
| Bowler | Overs | Maidens | Runs | Wickets | Economy |
| Nandre Burger | 5 | 1 | 29 | 1 | 5.80 |
| Lungi Ngidi | 3 | 1 | 17 | 0 | 5.66 |
| Corbin Bosch | 3 | 0 | 23 | 0 | 7.66 |
| Bjorn Fortuin | 6.1 | 0 | 34 | 1 | 5.51 |
| Donovan Ferreira | 4 | 0 | 21 | 0 | 5.25 |
| Nqabayomzi Peter | 4 | 0 | 18 | 0 | 4.50 |
Key Moments and Turning Points In the South Africa National Cricket Team vs Pakistan National Cricket Team match scorecard
The match turned when Abrar Ahmed took four wickets, including two in consecutive balls. De Kock’s LBW dismissal shifted momentum. In the chase, Ayub’s aggressive start sealed the deal. Reviews played a role, with three used – two upheld for Pakistan.
Player of the Match and Series Awards
Abrar Ahmed earned Player of the Match for his spellbinding 4/27. Quinton de Kock was Player of the Series with 239 runs across three games.
Historical Context of the Rivalry
The South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard adds to a storied rivalry. Since their first ODI in 1992, they’ve played over 80 games, with South Africa leading 51-28. Pakistan’s home wins are rare, making this series special. Past highlights include Pakistan’s 2013 series win and South Africa’s dominance in the 2000s.
In Tests, South Africa holds an edge, but Pakistan’s spin wizards often shine at home. This 2025-26 tour saw Pakistan win the T20 series 2-1 and split Tests, underscoring competitive balance.
Sscorecard And Stats
Pakistan’s spin department outclassed South Africa’s batters, who struggled against turn. Strike rates: Ayub at 110, de Kock at 75.71. Boundaries: Pakistan hit 20, South Africa 13. Economy rates favored Pakistan bowlers.
- Powerplay Comparison: South Africa 47/0 vs Pakistan 59/1.
- Middle Overs: South Africa lost 10 wickets for 96 runs.
- Chase Efficiency: Pakistan needed only half the overs.
This South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard shows how home conditions and tactical bowling can decide games.
FAQ
What was the result of the South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match on November 8, 2025?
Pakistan won by 7 wickets, chasing 144 in 25.1 overs after bowling South Africa out for 143.
Who was the Player of the Match in this game?
Abrar Ahmed from Pakistan, for his 4 wickets for 27 runs.
What was the series outcome?
Pakistan won the 3-match ODI series 2-1 against South Africa.
Who scored the highest for South Africa?
Quinton de Kock with 53 runs.
How did Saim Ayub perform?
He scored 77 runs off 70 balls, including 11 fours and 1 six.
Where was the match played?
At Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan.
Conclusion
The South Africa national cricket team vs Pakistan national cricket team match scorecard from the 3rd ODI encapsulates a dominant Pakistani performance. With stellar bowling from Abrar Ahmed and batting from Saim Ayub, Pakistan secured a memorable series win. This game reinforces the excitement of international cricket, where strategy and skill prevail. Fans witnessed a classic example of how spin can turn matches on subcontinental pitches.
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