It’s shaping up to be a big week for South African cricket as the Proteas begin a busy international schedule in two very different formats. On Saturday, they will face Namibia in a one-off T20 International in Windhoek, a historic first as Namibia host South Africa in an official T20I. The Proteas may not field a full squad, but there is no shortage of talent and experience. Quinton de Kock returns to international T20 action for the first time since the dramatic World Cup final against India. With a mix of power hitters and specialist bowlers, South Africa will be keen to get off to a winning start, although their inexperience could test them under pressure. Namibia, playing in familiar home conditions, will hope to make the most of this historic occasion and give the visitors a tough fight. The South African line-up for the match reads: Quinton de Kock (w), Lhuan-dre Pretorius, Reeza Hendricks, Rubin Hermann, Jason Smith, Donovan Ferreira (c), Andile Simelane, Bjorn Fortuin, Gerald Coetzee, Nandre Burger and Lizaad Williams. The Proteas won the toss and elected to bat first. While the focus will be on Namibia on Saturday, Sunday marks the start of a much bigger mission for South Africa as they begin their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign against Pakistan. The two-match Test series will see the Proteas return to Pakistani soil for the first time since 2021, when they suffered a 2-0 defeat under the captaincy of Babar Azam. This tour will be a comprehensive multi-format affair, comprising three T20Is, three ODIs and two Tests. The ODI leg is particularly notable as it will bring 50-over cricket back to the Iqbal Stadium in Faisalabad after 17 years, with the last match being Pakistan against Bangladesh in April 2008.Pakistan vs South Africa Schedule:
- 1st test: October 12-16, Lahore
- 2nd test: October 20-24, Rawalpindi
- 1st T20I: October 28, Rawalpindi
- 2nd T20I: October 31, Lahore
- 3rd T20I: November 1, Lahore
- 1st ODI: November 4, Faisalabad
- 2nd ODI: November 6, Faisalabad
- 3rd ODI: November 8, Faisalabad
With both a historic T20I and back-to-back high-stakes WTC Test, South Africa will be tested in all formats as they prepare for a long and tough tour.
