On Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad, Pakistan and South Africa clashed in a tense, high-stakes ODI that would decide the fate of their three-match series—tied 1-1. With the sun dipping behind the stands and the crowd buzzing, Shaheen Shah Afridi stepped onto the field as Pakistan’s captain for the first time in One Day International cricket, a moment years in the making after his brief, controversial T20I captaincy stint in January 2024. This wasn’t just another match. It was redemption, pressure, and legacy wrapped in green and white.
A Captain’s Return, A Team’s Rebirth
Shaheen Shah Afridi, 24, had been sidelined as captain after a turbulent five-match T20I leadership spell in early 2024. Critics questioned his tactical discipline; fans wondered if his fiery pace could translate into calm command. Now, with Babar Azam resting and the PCB seeking fresh leadership, Afridi was handed the reins. His first ODI captaincy came under fire—literally. South Africa’s top order, led by Quinton de Kock and debutant Luhan-dre Pretorius, who smashed a rapid 58 off 42 balls, looked dangerous early. But Afridi’s bowling attack, anchored by his own left-arm swing and the lethal pace of Naseem Shah, struck twice in the powerplay. The crowd roared as the scoreboard flickered: 47/2. The momentum had shifted.
When the Batting Backbone Falls
Then came the moment that silenced the stadium. Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting anchor, walked out to a standing ovation—only to be run out in the 18th over after a miscommunication with Mohammad Rizwan. The footage replayed on every screen: Babar hesitated, Rizwan didn’t call, and the stumps went flying. The crowd held its breath. Pakistan, at 98/3, suddenly looked vulnerable. But it was Saim Ayub, the 22-year-old opener who had scored 72 in the previous match, who steadied the ship. He and Rizwan stitched together 89 runs—Rizwan’s calm 41* a masterclass in pressure. By the 45th over, Pakistan had posted 268/7, a total that felt defendable on Faisalabad’s slow, turning track.
South Africa’s Second String, Pakistan’s Home Advantage
South Africa’s squad, labeled "second-string" by analysts, was missing stars like Dewald Brevis due to injury. Captain Matthew Breetzke, 28, was thrust into leadership with only 12 international caps. Three players—Luhan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, and Ottneil Baartman—were making their international debuts. Their inexperience showed in the chase. Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s off-spinner, turned the ball sharply on a pitch that gripped and slowed. He picked up 3/41, including the crucial wicket of Breetzke for 39. By the 42nd over, South Africa was 178/7. The end came with 18 balls to spare. Pakistan won by 52 runs.
Why This Match Matters Beyond the Scoreboard
This series win—Pakistan’s first ODI series victory at home since 2019—is more than just points on a board. After years of playing "home" matches in the UAE due to security concerns, Pakistan’s return to Faisalabad signals a quiet but powerful revival in domestic cricket infrastructure. The packed stands, the deafening chants of "Green Pe Ya Keen", the social media explosion with over 1.2 million mentions of #faisalabad and #shaheenafridi—this was a cultural moment. For the PCB, it’s validation. For young players like Saim Ayub and Hasan Nawaz, it’s inspiration. For South Africa, it’s a warning: even depleted squads can’t afford complacency on Pakistani soil.
What’s Next? The Ripple Effects
Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy debut has reignited debates: Should he be named permanent ODI captain? Will Babar Azam return to leadership in T20s? And what does this mean for South Africa’s rebuilding phase? With the next bilateral series against Australia scheduled for March 2026, Pakistan now has momentum. South Africa, meanwhile, will likely reassess their selection policy—especially with the T20 World Cup just months away. For now, Faisalabad is buzzing. The lights at Iqbal Stadium dimmed, but the echoes of this match will linger.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why was Shaheen Shah Afridi chosen as captain for this ODI series?
The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) selected Shaheen Shah Afridi after Babar Azam was rested for the final match, and the team needed a fresh voice. Afridi had previously captained Pakistan in five T20Is in January 2024, and his leadership in the field, combined with his experience as a senior player, made him the logical choice for this decider. His bowling prowess and calm demeanor under pressure were seen as assets for a high-stakes match.
How did Faisalabad’s pitch affect the game?
Iqbal Stadium’s pitch in Faisalabad offered significant turn and variable bounce, favoring spinners like Abrar Ahmed and Hasan Nawaz. The surface slowed down after the first 15 overs, making it hard for batters to accelerate. This played into Pakistan’s strengths, as their spin-heavy attack exploited the conditions better than South Africa’s inexperienced middle order, who struggled to read the spinners’ variations.
What impact did the debutants have for South Africa?
South Africa’s debutants—Luhan-dre Pretorius, Donovan Ferreira, and Ottneil Baartman—showed flashes of talent, especially Pretorius, who scored a fiery 58 off 42 balls. But their lack of international exposure showed in pressure situations. Ferreira was dismissed for a duck, and Baartman went wicketless in his four overs. Their inclusion reflects South Africa’s strategy to test young talent, but their inexperience cost the team in the crucial middle overs of the chase.
Is this a sign that Pakistan is fully back as a home cricket destination?
Absolutely. With over 25,000 fans attending each match in Faisalabad and live streams drawing millions globally, this series proves Pakistan can host major international cricket safely and successfully. The last ODI series at home before this was in 2019. The return of full crowds, media coverage, and broadcast partnerships signals a major milestone in the country’s cricketing revival after a decade of playing abroad due to security concerns.
What does this win mean for Pakistan’s upcoming matches?
This victory gives Pakistan crucial momentum ahead of their March 2026 series against Australia. Shaheen Afridi’s captaincy, the emergence of Saim Ayub and Abrar Ahmed, and the team’s ability to win under pressure will likely influence selection for future tours. It also boosts morale after a shaky start to the series, showing the squad can adapt and overcome adversity—a key trait for any top-tier team.
Why was Babar Azam run out, and how did it change the game?
Babar Azam was run out in the 18th over after a miscommunication with Mohammad Rizwan, who didn’t call for a second run on a single. The South African fielders reacted quickly, and the direct hit from mid-off found the stumps. It was a rare lapse from Pakistan’s most reliable batter. The dismissal shifted momentum: Pakistan went from 98/2 to 98/3, and the pressure mounted. But Rizwan and Ayub’s partnership recovered the innings, turning a potential collapse into a competitive total.
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