PAK vs SA Dream11 Prediction – 1st T20I, South Africa Tour of Pakistan 2025
The 1st T20I of the South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 features Pakistan (PAK) hosting South Africa (SA) at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi on 28 October 2025. Pakistan will aim to leverage home conditions and early momentum, while South Africa arrive with a young unit and a point to prove. With T20 format favouring aggressive starts, fielding excellence and smart death-over bowling, this match promises plenty of fantasy value.
Match Details
- Match: Pakistan vs South Africa – 1st T20I, South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025
- Date: 28 October 2025
- Time: ~20:30 Local / early IST slot
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, Rawalpindi, Pakistan
- Format: Twenty20 International
Team Previews
Pakistan (PAK)
Pakistan will rely on explosive batters and an aggressive bowling attack. With home-ground familiarity and a strong fast-bowling tradition, the hosts will look to dominate early and apply pressure through powerplays. The key will be their top order setting the tone and bowlers exploiting the conditions in Rawalpindi.
South Africa (SA)
South Africa arrive with several injury setbacks and a relatively inexperienced T20 squad. Nonetheless they bring in quality in the batting line-up and bowlers capable of turning matches. Their challenge will be adapting quickly to conditions, minimising errors in the field and building coherent partnerships under pressure.
Probable Playing XIs
(Final XIs subject to toss and confirmation.)
Pakistan (PAK)
- Saim Ayub
- Babar Azam
- Mohammad Haris / Usman Khan
- Sahibzada Farhan
- Salman Ali Agha (c)
- Faheem Ashraf
- Mohammad Nawaz
- Shaheen Shah Afridi
- Naseem Shah
- Abrar Ahmed
- Usman Tariq
South Africa (SA)
- Quinton de Kock (wk)
- Lhuan-dre Pretorius
- Dewald Brevis
- Matthew Breetzke
- Tony de Zorzi
- George Linde
- Nandre Burger
- Lungi Ngidi
- Nqaba Peter
- Lizaad Williams
- Andile Simelane
Top Fantasy Picks
- Babar Azam (PAK): Proven performer and key man in Pakistan’s batting — reliable fantasy asset.
- Quinton de Kock (SA): Aggressive opener with wicket-keeping role — high fantasy value.
- Shaheen Shah Afridi (PAK): Strike bowler who can deliver early breakthroughs — strong pick.
- Dewald Brevis (SA): Young batter with big-hitting potential; good differential pick.
- Faheem Ashraf (PAK): All-rounder who can contribute with both bat and ball — great value for fantasy.
Captain & Vice-Captain Suggestions
- Captain (C): Babar Azam or Quinton de Kock
- Vice-Captain (VC): Shaheen Shah Afridi or Dewald Brevis
Match Prediction
Taking into account home conditions, experience and squad composition, Pakistan carry a slight edge in this opening T20I. South Africa’s youngsters bring energy but may face adaptation issues.
Prediction: Pakistan to win this match by 5-7 wickets (if chasing) or by around 30 runs (if batting first).
Fantasy & Strategy Tips
- Prioritise top-order batters and bowlers who bowl in powerplay and death overs.
- Include at least one all-rounder to maximise fantasy points from both batting and bowling.
- For grand-league teams, include a differential pick like Dewald Brevis or George Linde.
- Toss influence: Rawalpindi has seen chasing teams doing well; if your selected team wins toss and chooses to bowl, adjust fantasy picks accordingly.
- Balanced team structure: 4-5 batters, 1-2 all-rounders, 3 bowlers for optimal roster.
Conclusion
The PAK vs SA 1st T20I sets the tone for the series with high stakes and plenty of fantasy opportunities. Pakistan start as favourites thanks to home advantage and match-winning experience, while South Africa’s young squad has the potential for surprise. For Dream11 cricket players, focusing on top performers such as Babar Azam, Quinton de Kock and Shaheen Afridi — while including a couple of smart differentials — offers the best chance of success.
