It’s an action-packed week for South African cricket as the Proteas launch into a demanding international schedule spanning two distinct formats. This Saturday, they make history by playing a one-off T20 International against Namibia in Windhoek – the first official T20I hosted by Namibia against South Africa.
While the Proteas might not be at full strength, their squad boasts a solid mix of seasoned talent and exciting experience. Notably, Quinton de Kock makes his return to international T20 cricket, having last featured in the dramatic World Cup final against India. With an arsenal of powerful batsmen and skilled bowlers, South Africa aims for a strong start, though the younger players may face pressure. Playing on their home turf, Namibia will be eager to seize this historic opportunity and present a formidable challenge to their visitors.
The confirmed South African XI for the match includes: Quinton de Kock (wicketkeeper), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Donovan Ferreira (captain), Andile Simelane, Bjorn Fortuin, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger, and Lizaad Williams. Having won the toss, South Africa has chosen to bat first.
As Saturday’s focus shifts to Namibia, Sunday will usher in a significantly larger challenge for South Africa: the commencement of their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign against Pakistan. This two-match Test series marks the Proteas’ first return to Pakistan since their 2-0 defeat under Babar Azam’s captaincy in 2021.
The upcoming tour is a comprehensive multi-format engagement, featuring three T20Is, three ODIs, and two Tests. A highlight of the ODI leg will be the return of 50-over cricket to Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium, an event unseen for 17 years since Pakistan last played Bangladesh there in April 2008.
Pakistan vs South Africa Tour Schedule:
- 1st Test: October 12–16, Lahore
- 2nd Test: October 20–24, Rawalpindi
- 1st T20I: October 28, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I: October 31, Lahore
- 3rd T20I: November 1, Lahore
- 1st ODI: November 4, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI: November 6, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI: November 8, Faisalabad
With both a historic T20I and a high-stakes World Test Championship encounter scheduled consecutively, South Africa is set for a rigorous test across all formats during this extended and challenging tour.