Pakistan vs South Africa 2025: Gaddafi Stadium report and Lahore weather forecast for the first Test

The stage is set for a high-stakes encounter as Pakistan take on world Test champions, South Africa, in the first Test of the two-match series, starting October 12 at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. Pakistan will be looking to make a fresh start at the new World Trade Center tournament, while the Proteas, led by Aiden Markram, will aim to continue their impressive winning streak in the longest format of the game.

Pak vs: Gaddafi Stadium report

The pitch at Gaddafi Stadium is expected to be a great hitting surface early on, providing real bounce and value to shots. However, the speed of the wicket is expected to slow significantly as the match progresses, resulting in significant wear and tear that makes chasing a formidable task. This decline will push players to play aggressively from Day 3 onwards, creating tough spots that they can exploit. Under these conditions, the draw becomes a deciding factor, with the captain winning, it is highly recommended to bat first and run to the board before the surface becomes too difficult. With South Africa having a fast-paced attack and Pakistan relying on spin options, the surface will be carefully monitored to see which phase of the match they will dominate.

PAK vs SA: Lahore weather forecast for the first test

The weather in Lahore is expected to be stable, sunny and dry throughout the five days of the Test match, providing almost ideal conditions for uninterrupted play. There is no risk of rain and the high temperature is constant around 31°C. The morning sessions will feature clear skies but with temperatures dropping to around 19°C, providing comfortable conditions for the first hour of play. The general weather ensures that the full share of overs can be thrown away. Here is a detailed daily forecast:

• October 12: Opening day will be sunny with a slight haze in the air, with temperatures consistently peaking at 31°C. Winds will be light at 6 km/h, ensuring conditions remain comfortable for players. The sun is set to shine brightly during the day, making conditions very favorable for striking once the morning coolness settles in.
• October 13: The second day will see similarly warm and clear conditions, with the high temperature remaining at 31°C. Winds will remain light, and humidity levels will be moderate. With the skies still clear, this should be another perfect day for cricket, although the pitch may start to show early signs of turning as the heat rises.
• October 14: On the third day, the sky will continue to be sunny with a maximum temperature of around 31 degrees Celsius. The weather is expected to be calm. As the match reaches the halfway point, the consistent heat combined with the deterioration of the pitch will increase the challenge for the batsmen as the bowlers begin to extract significant spin and variable bounce.
• October 15: The penultimate day is expected to be sunny and warm, with the high temperature remaining stable at 31 degrees Celsius. The wind will remain light, and the dry surface will help spinners more clearly, leading to a potentially crucial phase of play. A no-rain guarantee ensures that teams can push for a result without any loss of time.
• October 16: The final day of testing will see clear and warm conditions with a maximum temperature of 31 degrees Celsius. A consistent weather pattern ensures that the full quota of extras can be completed, paving the way for a dramatic finale should the match reach the final session and make the most of the deteriorating surface.