Cricholic
SA vs PAK marks the start of South Africa’s defence of the World Test Championship mace. The two-match Test series begins on October 12 in Lahore. With Temba Bavuma injured, Aiden Markram steps in as captain. The series also features the long-awaited return of Quinton de Kock in ODIs and T20Is after reversing his retirement.
SA vs PAK Test Squad Preview 🏆
The SAvsPAK Test squad combines experience with opportunity. Spinner Simon Harmer returns for the first time since March 2023. In addition, Senuran Muthusamy and Prenelan Subrayen provide spin support. Keshav Maharaj has been cleared for the second Test only as he continues recovery.
Head coach Shukri Conrad admitted Bavuma’s absence is a blow. However, he is confident the squad is ready for the SAvsPAK challenge.
“Naturally, we are disappointed not to have Temba available. At the same time, this squad has experience in Asia and will embrace the challenge.”
The pace attack will be led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen. Furthermore, younger batters such as Tristan Stubbs and Ryan Rickelton bring added depth for SAvsPAK 2025.
🔹 SA Test Squad vs Pakistan:
Aiden Markram (c), David Bedingham, Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Tony de Zorzi, Zubayr Hamza, Simon Harmer, Marco Jansen, Keshav Maharaj* , Wiaan Mulder, Senuran Muthusamy, Kagiso Rabada, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Prenelan Subrayen, Kyle Verreynne
(*Second Test only)
SA vs PAK White-Ball Boost ✨
The biggest talking point in SAvsPAK is the return of Quinton de Kock. He retired from ODIs after the 2023 World Cup. However, he is back in both ODIs and T20Is. His comeback strengthens the lineup and gives South Africa a huge boost ahead of SAvsPAK’s limited-overs leg.
David Miller will lead the T20I squad, while Matthew Breetzke will captain the ODIs. Moreover, Conrad believes Breetzke’s previous leadership roles will help him guide South Africa in the SA vs PAK ODI series.
“Matthew has shown character and composure as a leader. We expect him to bring the same qualities to the ODI squad.”
🔹 South Africa T20I Squad vs Pakistan:
David Miller (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Donovan Ferreira, Reeza Hendricks, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Lizaad Williams
🔹 South Africa ODI Squad vs Pakistan:
Matthew Breetzke (c), Corbin Bosch, Dewald Brevis, Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Tony de Zorzi, Donovan Ferreira, Bjorn Fortuin, George Linde, Kwena Maphaka, Lungi Ngidi, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Sinethemba Qeshile
SA vs PAK Namibia Clash 🇳🇦
Before the main series, South Africa will face Namibia in a one-off T20I on October 11. This match gives emerging players a chance to showcase their skills. Donovan Ferreira will captain the side and also receives his first ODI call-up for the SAvsPAK tour.
Conrad praised Ferreira’s rise.
“Donovan impressed during the T20Is against England. His maturity and ability to connect with younger players stood out.”
Sinethemba Qeshile has joined the ODI squad. Meanwhile, Rivaldo Moonsamy has been named for the Namibia fixture.
🔹 South Africa T20I Squad vs Namibia:
Donovan Ferreira (c), Nandre Burger, Gerald Coetzee, Quinton de Kock, Bjorn Fortuin, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Kwena Maphaka, Rivaldo Moonsamy, Nqaba Peter, Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Andile Simelane, Jason Smith, Lizaad Williams
SA vs PAK Schedule & Preparations 📅
The squad will hold a two-day camp in Pretoria (October 5–6). After that, they will fly to Lahore on October 7. The first Test begins October 12, with the second Test, three ODIs, and three T20Is to follow.
With Markram leading, Bavuma absent, and De Kock back, South Africa’s SA vs PAK tour promises excitement, intensity, and high stakes. Moreover, the series is crucial for their World Test Championship campaign.
