PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction – 1st ODI, South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025
The opening One-Day International of the three-match series between Pakistan national cricket team (PAK) and South Africa national cricket team (SA) is scheduled for 4 November 2025, at the Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad in Pakistan. Pakistan, playing at home, will aim to start the series on a positive note, while South Africa will look to make an early statement. Considering local conditions and home-advantage, the match will offer interesting angles for fantasy cricket users.
Match Details
- Date: Tuesday, 4 November 2025
- Venue: Iqbal Stadium, Faisalabad, Pakistan
- Format: One-Day International (ODI)
- Series: South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025/26
Team Previews
Pakistan (PAK)
Pakistan come into this match with the advantage of home conditions and familiar pitches. Their recent white-ball form has had ups and downs, but they possess firepower in the top-order and a strong pace bowling attack. The onus will be on their openers to give good starts and bowlers to make early breakthroughs.
South Africa (SA)
South Africa arrive with a well-balanced squad and confidence from recent tours. They will look to challenge the home side by exploiting early rhythm and using their batting depth. Their spin and pace bowlers both have roles to play on pitches in Pakistan.
Probable XIs (Tentative)
Note: Final playing XI may change after toss.
Pakistan – Probable XI
- Salman Ali Agha
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Fakhar Zaman
- Mohammad Rizwan (wk)
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Abrar Ahmed
- Naseem Shah
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (c)
- Haris Rauf
- Faheem Ashraf
South Africa – Probable XI
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Tony de Zorzi
- Matthew Breetzke (c)
- Dewald Brevis
- Donovan Ferreira
- George Linde
- Lizaad Williams
- Nandre Burger
- Ottneil Baartman
- Corbin Bosch
- Lungi Ngidi
Top Fantasy Picks
- Babar Azam (PAK): Key top-order batter; expected to face many deliveries and anchor his team.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK): Captain and strike bowler; value for fantasy through early wickets.
- Matthew Breetzke (SA): Aggressive bat with power-hitting ability; could make impact.
- George Linde (SA): All-rounder; offers contributions with bat and ball.
- Naseem Shah (PAK): Young pacer with high upside in favourable conditions.
- Quinton de Kock (SA): Wicket-keeper-batter with proven ability at top level.
- Abrar Ahmed (PAK): Spinner who may bowl key overs; differential pick for fantasy.
- Donovan Ferreira (SA): Emerging talent with ability to change momentum.
Captain & Vice-Captain Choices
- Captain (2× points): Babar Azam or Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Vice-Captain (1.5× points): George Linde or Matthew Breetzke
Match Prediction
Pakistan hold a slight edge given home conditions and familiarity with the venue. If their top-order delivers and their pace attack strikes early, they may gain control of the game. South Africa will need a strong start with the bat and disciplined bowling to upset the home side.
Prediction: Pakistan to win by 25-30 runs or by 4-5 wickets if chasing.
Fantasy Tips
- Confirm toss and final XI before locking choices; batting first vs chasing affects player selection.
- Prioritise top-order batters and frontline bowlers to maximise points in ODIs.
- Include one or two all-rounders to cover both departments.
- Pick a wicket-keeper-batter who will likely bat in top-6.
- Spread your selection across both teams to manage risk rather than stacking heavily one side.
Conclusion
The 1st ODI of the South Africa tour of Pakistan is a key match with strong fantasy potential. Players like Babar Azam, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Matthew Breetzke and George Linde are prominent picks. Building a balanced Dream11 cricket team combining safe performers and high-ceiling players will improve your chances. Back Pakistan for a slight edge but keep an eye on South Africa’s threats.
