Pakistan vs South Africa Live Score & Highlights: World Cup 2025 Thriller

Faisalabad, 8 November 2025 – Pakistan and South Africa lock horns today in a winner-takes-all third ODI at the iconic Iqbal Stadium, with the series tantalisingly poised at 1-1 after Quinton de Kock’s commanding 123* powered the Proteas to an eight-wicket victory in game two. Match details • Date & time: Saturday, 8 Nov 2025, 15:30 IST / 15:00 PKT toss • Venue: Iqbal Cricket Stadium, Faisalabad • Live stream: Sports TV YouTube (no TV telecast in India) Series narrative • Pakistan drew first blood in Faisalabad on 4 Nov, edging a tense two-wicket chase. • South Africa roared back two days later, de Kock and Tony de Zorzi sharing a 153-run stand that flattened Shaheen Afridi’s attack and underlined the tourists’ batting depth. • Today’s decider will crown the final international fixture of South Africa’s all-format tour and could have ICC ODI Super League repercussions. Tactical talking points 1. Power-play battles – Shaheen Afridi v Quinton de Kock. Afridi leaked 40 off seven overs on Thursday; he must strike early to keep Babar Azam’s men in control. 2. Middle-order impetus – Salman Agha and Mohammad Nawaz added 128 off 130 balls in the last outing but consumed valuable overs up front. Expect Pakistan to promote the aggressive Hussain Talat if quick runs are needed. 3. Spin in daylight – Iqbal Stadium traditionally grips later in the afternoon. Bjorn Fortuin’s left-arm orthodox could be decisive against Pakistan’s left-handers Fakhar Zaman and Saim Ayub. Predicted XIs Pakistan: Ayub, Zaman, Babar Azam (c), Rizwan (wk), Salman Agha, Talat, Nawaz, Shaheen Afridi, Haris Rauf, Naseem Shah, Abrar Ahmed. South Africa: de Kock (wk), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, de Zorzi, Matthew Breetzke (c), Donovan Ferreira, Dewald Brevis, George Linde, Bjorn Fortuin, Nandre Burger, Lizaad Williams, Lungi Ngidi. What to expect A packed Faisalabad crowd, day-time temperatures hovering around 26 °C and a surface offering early seam before slowing dramatically. Win the toss, bat first, post 285+ and let the spinners choke the chase – that will be the blueprint both skippers covet. Keyword focus: Pakistan vs South Africa, PAK vs SA 3rd ODI, Faisalabad live stream, Babar Azam, Quinton de Kock, match prediction, playing XI, Iqbal Stadium pitch report, series decider.