Pakistan vs South Africa Series 2024-2025
The highly anticipated Pakistan tour of South Africa 2024-2025 is set to captivate cricket fans worldwide. Featuring a mix of T20Is, ODIs, and Tests, this tour is crucial for both teams in their preparations for upcoming ICC events. Here’s a comprehensive guide to the schedule, key players, live streaming details, and more.
PAK vs SA Schedule Overview
The tour runs from December 2024 to January 2025, covering all major formats of the game. Starting with a three-match T20I series, it transitions into three ODIs and concludes with two Test matches.
The series is particularly significant for South Africa, as they aim to secure a spot in the ICC World Test Championship final.
| T20I Series | |||
|---|---|---|---|
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (Pakistan) |
| 1st T20I | December 10, 2024 | Kingsmead, Durban | 6:30 PM PKT |
| 2nd T20I | December 13, 2024 | SuperSport Park, Centurion | 6:30 PM PKT |
| 3rd T20I | December 14, 2024 | The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 6:30 PM PKT |
| ODI Series | |||
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (Pakistan) |
| 1st ODI | December 17, 2024 | Boland Park, Paarl | 1:00 PM PKT |
| 2nd ODI | December 19, 2024 | Newlands, Cape Town | 1:00 PM PKT |
| 3rd ODI | December 22, 2024 | The Wanderers Stadium, Johannesburg | 1:00 PM PKT |
| Test Series | |||
| Match | Date | Venue | Start Time (Pakistan) |
| 1st Test | December 26-30, 2024 | SuperSport Park, Centurion | 2:00 PM PKT |
| 2nd Test | January 3-7, 2025 | Newlands, Cape Town | 2:00 PM PKT |
These matches will highlight traditional cricket rivalries and tactical brilliance, drawing immense attention from purists of the game.
Key Players to Watch
South Africa: South Africa’s squads feature experienced players and rising stars:
- Temba Bavuma (Tests and ODIs): The captain will be pivotal in leading the team across formats.
- Heinrich Klaasen (T20I Captain): Known for his explosive batting, Klaasen’s leadership in T20Is will be under scrutiny.
- Kagiso Rabada and Anrich Nortje: Lethal pacers who can turn games on their heads.
Pakistan: Pakistan boasts a balanced team with a mix of youth and experience:
- Babar Azam: One of the world’s best batters, leading from the front in all formats.
- Shaheen Afridi: The spearhead of Pakistan’s bowling attack, crucial in all formats.
- Saim Ayub: A promising young batter with immense potential.
PAK vs SA Live Streaming and Broadcast Details
Cricket fans worldwide can catch the live action of Pakistan vs. South Africa through various platforms. Below are the streaming and broadcasting details for the tour:
For South Africa
- TV Broadcast: SuperSport will provide live coverage across South Africa.
- Live Streaming: Matches will be streamed live on the SuperSport app and website.
For Pakistan
- TV Broadcast: PTV Sports will air all matches in Pakistan.
- Live Streaming: The PTV Sports app and Daraz will offer live streaming options.
Global Audiences
- India: Sony Sports Network will telecast the matches, with live streaming on the Sony LIV app.
- United Kingdom: Sky Sports Cricket will broadcast the series, and Sky Go will provide streaming.
- Australia: Fox Sports and Kayo Sports will cover the matches live.
- USA and Canada: Willow TV will broadcast the series, while matches will also be available on their digital platforms.
For real-time updates, fans can also follow the official social media handles of both cricket boards and ICC.
Why This Series Matters
This series is not just a bilateral competition but a litmus test for both teams’ capabilities. For South Africa, it’s a chance to reinforce their claim for the ICC World Test Championship final. For Pakistan, it offers an opportunity to refine their strategies ahead of major tournaments like the ICC Champions Trophy.
The T20I matches provide a glimpse into the future, with young players and experimental tactics coming into play. The ODIs are a gateway to ICC 50-over events, allowing teams to identify their strongest combinations. The Tests are a battle of endurance and tactics, crucial for South Africa’s championship aspirations.
Expectations and Predictions
The series promises nail-biting contests, with both teams bringing their A-game. South Africa’s home advantage, combined with their formidable bowling attack, will be key. On the other hand, Pakistan’s flair and resilience make them a formidable opponent, capable of pulling off surprises.
Head-to-Head Overview
South Africa has a clear edge in ODI cricket against Pakistan, having won 52 out of 83 matches. Pakistan, on the other hand, has emerged victorious 30 times, with one game ending in no result. When playing on South African soil, the Proteas have maintained their dominance, winning 22 out of 37 matches, while Pakistan has claimed 14 victories.
At Boland Park, Paarl, the teams have faced off only once, back in 2002, where South Africa won decisively by 9 wickets.
Recent Form: Last 5 Matches
While South Africa has historically dominated, recent encounters tell a different story. In the last five ODIs between these sides, Pakistan has outperformed South Africa, winning three matches compared to the Proteas’ two victories. This shift in momentum suggests a more evenly matched contest in the upcoming series.
Key Performers in SA vs PAK ODIs
The rivalry has seen exceptional performances from both sides. AB de Villiers leads the scoring charts for South Africa with an astounding 1423 runs in 32 matches, including 3 centuries and 10 half-centuries. For Pakistan, Mohammad Yousuf holds the record with 1116 runs from 34 games, comprising 2 centuries and 9 fifties.
Among bowlers, Waqar Younis has been the standout performer for Pakistan, claiming an unmatched 58 wickets in this fixture, making him the highest wicket-taker in SA vs PAK ODIs. On the South African side, Makhaya Ntini leads with 49 wickets, showcasing his impact with the ball over the years.
Conclusion
The Pakistan vs. South Africa 2024-2025 series is set to be a cricketing spectacle, with intense battles across all formats. Fans can look forward to thrilling matches, exceptional performances, and a display of cricket at its finest.
Don’t miss a moment of the action—mark your calendars and tune in to your preferred platform for live coverage.