Pakistan vs South Africa 2026: Series Guide with Schedule and Squads
The Pakistan vs South Africa series is the centrepiece of Pakistan’s 2026 home season, with the Proteas touring from 12 October to 8 November 2026 for two Tests, three T20Is and three ODIs. As of October 2026, South Africa lead the Pakistan vs South Africa head-to-head 68-46 across all formats. This guide covers the full schedule, the squads, the all-time record and what is at stake.
Pakistan vs South Africa Head-to-Head Record Across All Formats
The overall Pakistan vs South Africa record, updated to October 2026, shows South Africa ahead in Tests and ODIs, with Pakistan leading the T20I column:
| Format | Matches | Pakistan wins | South Africa wins | Other |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Tests | 28 | 6 | 16 | 6 drawn |
| ODIs | 73 | 29 | 44 | 0 |
| T20Is | 19 | 11 | 8 | 0 |
| Total | 120 | 46 | 68 | 6 |
South Africa have long been kings of the Test and ODI columns, but Pakistan have turned the tide at home in recent years and hold the T20I edge.
2026 Series Schedule: Dates and Venues
The South Africa tour of Pakistan 2026 is a full-format engagement. The two Tests open the tour and carry ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 points: the first Test runs 12-16 October in Lahore, and the second 20-24 October in Rawalpindi. The T20I leg follows with three matches – 28 October in Rawalpindi, then 31 October and 1 November in Lahore. The tour closes with three ODIs on 4, 6 and 8 November at the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad. Pakistan’s 18-member Test squad is led by Shan Masood and includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Salman Ali Agha, Saud Shakeel, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Abrar Ahmed, Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Kamran Ghulam, Khurram Shahzad, Hasan Ali, Aamir Jamal, Asif Afridi, Faisal Akram and Rohail Nazir.
Recent Results Against the Proteas
Pakistan’s recent record against South Africa has been strong. In December 2024, Pakistan became the first team to whitewash South Africa in an ODI series on South African soil, winning 3-0. That followed Pakistan’s 2-0 home Test series win in 2021, their first against the Proteas in over a decade. South Africa hit back by winning the 2024-25 Test series 2-0 at home, but at World Cups the record is split: South Africa lead 4-2 in ODI World Cups, while Pakistan have won all three T20 World Cup encounters against the Proteas. The 2019 World Cup clash, which Pakistan won by 49 runs, effectively ended South Africa’s campaign.
Classic Pakistan vs South Africa Matches
The rivalry began in the 1992 World Cup, when South Africa beat eventual champions Pakistan in their first World Cup appearance, and Pakistan later avenged that with a six-match winning streak. The 2003 World Cup group match, which Pakistan won, contributed to South Africa’s elimination from their home tournament and remains one of the most discussed games in World Cup history. The 1997 home Test series, which Pakistan won 1-0, marked a rare Test series triumph against the Proteas. In 2021, South Africa toured Pakistan for the first time in 14 years, and Pakistan won the Test series 2-0, a milestone in cricket’s return to the country.
What to Watch in This Series
The Tests will test Pakistan’s spin attack of Noman Ali, Sajid Khan and Abrar Ahmed against a strong South African batting line-up, while Shaheen Afridi’s new-ball duel with the Proteas’ top order headlines the white-ball leg. Pakistan’s T20I record of 11-8 gives them confidence in the shortest format. Follow the tour through our Pakistan cricket team 2026 schedule and the Shaheen Afridi 2026 stats review. You can also read our Babar Azam 2026 stats review and the ODI World Cup 2027 schedule. External sources: the verified tables are at Sportskeeda’s PAK vs SA head-to-head and Article.pk’s Pakistan-South Africa rivalry history.
Frequently Asked Questions
Who leads the Pakistan vs South Africa head-to-head?
South Africa lead 68-46 across 120 matches in all formats (6 draws) as of October 2026.
What is the schedule of the Pakistan vs South Africa 2026 series?
Two Tests (12-16 Oct Lahore, 20-24 Oct Rawalpindi), three T20Is (28 Oct Rawalpindi, 31 Oct and 1 Nov Lahore) and three ODIs (4, 6, 8 Nov at Faisalabad’s Iqbal Stadium).
Who won the last Pakistan vs South Africa ODI series?
Pakistan won 3-0 in South Africa in December 2024, becoming the first team to whitewash the hosts in an ODI series there.
What is Pakistan’s T20I record against South Africa?
Pakistan lead 11-8 from 19 T20Is, including a perfect 3-0 record at T20 World Cups.
Who is captaining Pakistan in the 2026 home series?
Shan Masood captains the Test squad, an 18-member group that includes Babar Azam, Mohammad Rizwan and Shaheen Afridi.
Frequently Asked Questions: Pakistan vs South Africa
Pakistan vs South Africa series deliver high-quality cricket across formats. The pak vs sa series 2026 schedule covers Tests, ODIs and T20Is per the FTP calendar.
What is the head-to-head record?
Pakistan south africa head to head history favours South Africa in Tests, while Pakistan has enjoyed memorable ODI and T20I wins, including strong home series.
What are the squads?
Pak vs sa squad 2026 announcements come two weeks before each series. South Africa’s pace attack against Pakistan’s batting is the defining matchup.
Is South Africa touring Pakistan?
South africa tour pakistan 2026 fixtures would continue the welcome return of top teams to Pakistani soil. Venues span Lahore, Karachi and Rawalpindi.
Key battles to watch
Pakistan vs South Africa series are defined by pace versus spin: South Africa’s quicks against Pakistan’s spinners, home and away. The team that adapts to conditions faster usually takes the Pakistan vs South Africa series.
Memorable moments
Pakistan vs South Africa history includes thrilling last-over finishes and record chases. Their contests rarely lack drama, making every Pakistan vs South Africa fixture appointment viewing.
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