Shaheen Afridi with rival team Captain, Matthew Breetzke

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Shaheen Afridi Wins Toss, Pakistan to Bowl First in Historic Faisalabad ODI vs South Africa

Nov 4, 2025 | Sports, Current Affairs

Shaheen Afridi with rival team Captain, Matthew Breetzke
Faisalabad, November 4, 2025 – New Pakistan captain Shaheen Shah Afridi won the toss and elected to field in the first ODI against South Africa at Iqbal Stadium on Tuesday, marking international cricket’s thrilling return to Faisalabad after 17 years.

The iconic venue last hosted a match in 2008. Upgraded facilities now welcome fans as Pakistan, led by the 25-year-old pace sensation, aims to build on their 2-1 T20I series win. “It’s an honour to lead Pakistan,” Shaheen said. “Faisalabad’s comeback is special for the fans.”
Backing star batter Babar Azam, who rediscovered form in Lahore, Shaheen added, “He’s our top T20 run-scorer and ready for big innings.”
South Africa, under stand-in skipper Matthew Breetzke, misses Temba Bavuma, Kagiso Rabada, and others, with Quinton de Kock returning from ODI retirement. Youngster Dewald Brevis is out injured.
The three-match series continues Thursday and Saturday in Faisalabad. 

Squads:

Pakistan: Shaheen Shah Afridi (captain), Abrar Ahmed, Babar Azam, Faheem Ashraf, Faisal Akram, Fakhar Zaman, Haris Rauf, Haseebullah, Hasan Nawaz, Hussain Talat, Mohammad Nawaz, Mohammad Rizwan (wicket-keeper), Mohammad Wasim Jnr, Naseem Shah, Saim Ayub, Salman Ali Agha

South Africa: Matthew Breetzke (captain), Corbin Bosch, 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.

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