Get the complete coverage of the 1st T20I between South Africa and Pakistan 2025. Get full match summary, top performances, score updates, and expert analysis from the South Africa tour of Pakistan.
Match Overview: South Africa vs Pakistan 1st T20I 2025
The first T20 International of the South Africa tour of Pakistan 2025 lived up to its billing, offering high-octane cricket, individual brilliance, and a nail-biting finish. Played at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore, both teams showcased skill and determination in front of an electric crowd.
- Match: Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st T20I
- Venue: Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore
- Date: March 12, 2025
- Result: South Africa won by 5 wickets
- Player of the Match: Aiden Markram (South Africa)
Pakistan Innings: A Competitive Total Set Under Pressure
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan posted a competitive total of 173/7 in 20 overs.
Key highlights:
- Babar Azam (57 off 38) led from the front with classy strokes.
- Fakhar Zaman (32 off 20) provided early momentum with back-to-back boundaries.
- David Miller’s direct hit removed Rizwan at a crucial juncture, slowing Pakistan’s scoring rate.
- Lungi Ngidi (3/27) bowled with precision, exploiting the slower pitch conditions brilliantly.
Despite a late flourish from Shadab Khan (24 off 11), Pakistan fell about 10–15 runs short of what they might have aimed for given the power-packed start.
South Africa’s Chase: Markram and Stubbs Shine Bright
In reply, South Africa began cautiously but accelerated steadily thanks to Aiden Markram’s composed half-century (64 off 44).
Tristan Stubbs (39 off 21) played a decisive cameo, taking on Pakistan’s spinners when it mattered most.
Chase Summary:
- South Africa: 174/5 in 19.2 overs
- Pakistan’s bowlers, led by Shaheen Afridi (2/30) and Naseem Shah (1/28), tried to contain the scoring, but dew and Markram’s calmness tilted the balance.
The Proteas sealed victory with 4 balls to spare, taking a 1-0 lead in the three-match series.
Post-Match Reactions
Aiden Markram:
“The key was staying patient and picking the right bowlers to attack. Pakistan’s bowlers tested us, but partnerships made the difference.”
Babar Azam:
“We were 15 runs short, and our bowling in the middle overs lacked discipline. Still, proud of the fight we showed.”
Statistical Highlights
| Category | Player | Stats |
|---|---|---|
| Highest Run Scorer | Aiden Markram (SA) | 64 (44) |
| Best Bowler | Lungi Ngidi (SA) | 3/27 |
| Most Sixes | Tristan Stubbs (SA) | 3 |
| Most Fours | Babar Azam (PAK) | 6 |
| Partnership of the Match | Markram–Stubbs | 72 runs (39 balls) |
Turning Points of the Match
- Ngidi’s double strike in the 10th over dismissed Rizwan and Fakhar, halting Pakistan’s momentum.
- Stubbs’ assault on Shadab Khan, turning a tense chase into a comfortable finish.
- Markram’s anchor role, maintaining a steady run rate despite pressure situations.
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Expert Analysis: What This Means for Both Teams
- For Pakistan:
Pakistan must work on consistency in the middle overs and address fielding lapses. Spinners failed to capitalize on early pressure, and batting depth remains a concern. - For South Africa:
The Proteas showed adaptability in subcontinent conditions, with middle-order stability being their biggest takeaway. Their fielding intensity also stood out.
What’s Next?
The action now moves to Rawalpindi for the 2nd T20I on March 14, 2025. Pakistan will aim to bounce back and level the series, while South Africa looks to clinch it early.
