Pakistan will face South Africa in the 26th ICC Cricket World Cup 2023 match at the MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai. South Africa have won four matches out of five they have played, while Pakistan have won only two. The Proteas are second in the table while Pakistan are struggling in the fifth spot.

South Africa played against Bangladesh in their last match where they registered a huge victory of 149 runs after De Kock scored 174 runs. Meanwhile, Pakistan are coming after three consecutive losses after getting off to a decent start in the competition.

Also Read: Most Hundreds in the World Cup History

Pakistan vs South Africa: Match Preview

Match Details:

• Date: 27th October, 2023 (Friday)

• Venue: MA Chidambaram Stadium in Chennai

• Time: 2:00 pm (IST)

• Live Streaming: Star Sports Network and Disney + Hotstar

Pakistan vs South Africa: Head-to-Head

Both teams have played 82 matches. Pakistan have won 30 games while the Proteas have registered 51 victories. In ODI World Cups, Pakistan defeated South Africa in 2 matches while South Africa won on 3 occasions. Here are the detailed statistics of Pakistan vs South Africa head-to-head records.

Pakistan vs South Africa: Pitch & Weather Report

The surface will likely to be balanced throughout this game and provide enough support to both batters and bowlers. The average first innings score in ODIs at this venue has been 249 runs. Both pacers and spinners might get the same amount of help from the pitch. But Pakistani spinners have failed to produce anything in the tournament so far while South Africa's spin attack is the best after India and New Zealand.

It is expected to be a humid day with intervals of clouds and sunshine. The temperature is expected to touch 32° C at noon but is expected to reduce to 29° C during the closing stages.

PAK vs SA: Possible XI

Pakistan: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam (Cap), Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Saud Shakeel, Shadab Khan, Usama Mir, Shaheen Afridi, Hasan Ali, Haris Rauf, Iftikhar Ahmed

South Africa: Quinton de Kock(wk), Aiden Markram (Cap), Heinrich Klaasen, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada, Lizaad Williams, David Miller, Marco Jansen, Gerald Coetzee, Reeza Hendricks, Rassie van der Dussen

Pakistan vs South Africa: Dream XI Team Prediction

The International Cricket Council (ICC) has raised the prize money for the ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2023-25, announcing a massive $3.6 million prize for the winners of the upcoming final between Australia and South Africa, set to take place at Lord’s from June 11-15.

This record-breaking purse, more than double the $1.6 million awarded to previous champions New Zealand (2021) and Australia (2023), underlines the ICC’s commitment to elevating Test cricket’s prestige and importance.

The losing finalists will also walk away with a hefty $2.1 million, surpassing the prize money awarded to past winners. This significant financial boost reflects the ICC’s push to sustain the momentum of the nine-team competition, now in its third thrilling cycle.

Read Also | Highest wicket-takers in WTC 2023-25

WTC Final Details

The stage is set for a clash of titans at the iconic Lord’s Cricket Ground, hosting its first-ever WTC Final. South Africa, buoyed by commanding 2-0 home series wins over Sri Lanka and Pakistan, clinched their spot with 69.44 percentage points.

Defending champions Australia, finishing with 67.54 points, are eager to retain the Test Mace in what promises to be a fiercely contested battle.

Read Also | Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

ICC Chair Jay Shah expressed his excitement, stating, “The third cycle of the World Test Championship has been captivating, with the finalists decided only in the closing stages. Australia and South Africa will deliver a fitting celebration of Test cricket at Lord’s, and I’m confident fans worldwide will witness top-class action.”

A battle of wills, minds and hearts in the Ultimate Test 👊

The #WTC25 Final at Lord's is upon us 🏟 pic.twitter.com/JsNXpmgOXD

— ICC (@ICC) May 15, 2025

What did the captains say?

Australian captain Pat Cummins, reflecting on the honour of defending their title, said, “Playing at Lord’s for the World Test Championship is a proud moment for us. South Africa will bring a tough challenge, and we’re ready to give it our all at the home of cricket.”

South Africa’s Temba Bavuma echoed the sentiment, emphasising the significance of the occasion. “Reaching the WTC Final is a huge opportunity to win an ICC title. Lord’s is the perfect stage, and we’re determined to put our best foot forward against Australia.”

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Prize Money Breakdown

The increased prize money extends beyond the finalists, with the full breakdown as follows:

• Winner: $3,600,000

• Runners-up: $2,160,000

• Third (India): $1,440,000

• Fourth (New Zealand): $1,200,000

• Fifth (England): $960,000

• Sixth (Sri Lanka): $840,000

• Seventh (Bangladesh): $720,000

• Eighth (West Indies): $600,000

• Ninth (Pakistan): $480,000

After the Champions Trophy 2025, India's target in ODI cricket will be the ODI World Cup 2027. In such a situation, know what is Team India's ODI schedule till the World Cup 2027. The Men in Blue have to play a total of 9 series in the next ICC ODI tournament, which includes 27 matches.

Apart from this, some more ODI matches can be scheduled near the tournament. So, know what is the ODI schedule of Indian Cricket Team till 2027 and when India will face which team.

Also Read: The Kohli Effect: Will Indian fans lose interest in Test cricket after Virat Kohli's retirement?

The ODI World Cup2027 will be held around October to December. Before this, the Indian team is going to play a lot of matches. India have to play 3-match ODI series against 8 teams. They will play series twice against one country.

India will play New Zealand twice

India will play Australia, Afghanistan, Bangladesh, England, South Africa, West Indies and Sri Lanka once each in the upcoming ODI series, while it will play New Zealand twice. Out of the nine series, India will play six series at home, while the rest will be held outside the country.

It will start with the tour of Bangladesh in August, which will be played this year. In October-November 2025, India has to play a three-match ODI series on its tour of Australia. South Africa's team will tour India in November-December.

India will host Sri Lankan team in December 2026

In January 2026, the New Zealand team will play an ODI series in India. After this, India has to play a three-match series against Afghanistan in June. In July 2026, Team India will have to play the same number of ODI series on its tour of England.

The West Indies team is scheduled to tour India in September-October. There will be an ODI series against New Zealand at home in October-November. India will host the Sri Lankan team for an ODI series in December 2026.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

India's ODI schedule till World Cup 2027

World Test Championship (WTC) finalist South Africa and Australia have announced their squad. The WTC Final match will be played at the historic Lord's Cricket Ground on June 11.

Also Read: Fav four in Test cricket: Kohli vs Root vs Williamson vs Smith stats in Tests

Ngidi back in Proteas squad

The Proteas have been strengthened by the return of Lungi Ngidi, who was out of action for most of the domestic summer season due to a back injury. Ngidi was part of Royal Challengers Bangalore (RCB) in IPL 2025.

South Africa has made only two changes in its team from the last Test series against Pakistan. Ngidi has been included in place of young player Kwena Maphaka, while top order batsman Matthew Breetzke has not been included.

Proteas Men’s head coach Shukri Conrad has today announced the 15-player squad for the highly anticipated ICC World Test Championship (WTC) Final against Australia, taking place from 11 – 15 June at Lord’s Cricket Ground in London.

Temba Bavuma will lead the side, with the pace… pic.twitter.com/e76WCrd2zl

— Proteas Men (@ProteasMenCSA) May 13, 2025

Bavuma to lead the team

Temba Bavuma will lead the team. He helped South Africa finish first in the WTC standings. The team won many games under his captaincy. He has done well as a leader.

The top-order batters include Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, and Ryan Rickelton. These players have scored runs in recent matches. They can handle tough bowling attacks.

David Bedingham and Tristan Stubbs are part of the middle-order. They are in good form. Bavuma also bats in the middle order. Kyle Verreynne will keep wickets. He is quick and can score runs fast.

Strong bowling attack

South Africa’s bowling attack is strong. Kagiso Rabada is their top pacer. He is back in the team. The fast bowler had a one-month break due to a ban. He completed a rehab program. Now, he can play again.

Lungi Ngidi joins Rabada. Marco Jansen, Wiaan Mulder, Corbin Bosch, and Dane Paterson complete the pace unit. All can bowl fast and take wickets.

Keshav Maharaj leads the spin group. Senuran Muthusamy is the second spinner. They both have good control and experience.

Cameron Green return to Australian squad

Earlier, defending champion Australia also announced its squad today for WTC Final. The Kangaroo team has almost the same members who played against India and Sri Lanka earlier this year. This same Australian team will play a three-match Test series in the West Indies starting June 25.

Cameron Green's return to the Test squad after back surgery also has been confirmed, with spinner Matt Kuhnemann also included. Pat Cummins and Josh Hazlewood missed Australia's most recent Test series in Sri Lanka due to injury, while Green is in line to make his first Test appearance in more than 12 months after recovering from back surgery.

Big names return in Australia's squad for next month's World Test Championship Final against South Africa at Lord's 👊

More on their squad for the #WTC25 decider 👉 https://t.co/v12jK8PQ22 pic.twitter.com/1vbXm4FmRi

— ICC (@ICC) May 13, 2025

Australia's squad full of experience

Australia's squad is full of experience and at full strength for the Proteas' clash with Cummins joined by fellow quicks Mitchell Starc, Scott Boland and Hazlewood in a 15-player squad that also has two spinning options in Nathan Lyon and Matt Kuhnemann.

Meanwhile, teenager Sam Konstas is also included, with Green and fellow all-rounder Beau Webster battling it out with key batters Usman Khawaja, Marnus Labuschagne, Steve Smith, Travis Head and Josh Inglis for a spot in the XI.

On the other hand, Inglis can provide support for first-choice keeper Alex Carey, while Brendan Doggett will travel with the squad as a reserve.

Also Read: IPL 2025 to resume from 17th May: Here is the revised schedule

WTC Final | Squads

Australia

Pat Cummins (c), Scott Boland, Alex Carey, Cameron Green, Josh Hazlewood, Travis Head, Josh Inglis, Usman Khawaja, Sam Konstas, Matt Kuhnemann, Marnus Labuschagne, Nathan Lyon, Steve Smith, Mitchell Starc, Beau Webster. 

Travelling Reserve: Brendan Dogget

South Africa

Temba Bavuma (c), Aiden Markram, Tony de Zorzi, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, David Bedingham, Kyle Verreynne (wicketkeeper), Wiaan Mulder, Marco Jansen, Kagiso Rabada, Lungi Ngidi, Corbin Bosch, Dane Paterson, Keshav Maharaj, Senuran Muthusamy.

In a dramatic turn of events, overseas players in the Pakistan Super League (PSL) faced harrowing experiences due to escalating military tensions between India and Pakistan, leading to the indefinite postponement of the tournament.

The crisis, sparked by India’s strategic response to a terror attack in Palalgam on May 7, 2025, which claimed 26 civilian lives, left players like New Zealand’s Daryl Mitchell vowing never to return to Pakistan and England’s Tom Curran in tears after a close call at the airport.

Read Also | In a first, 10 UAE batters retire out in ICC Women's T20 World Cup Asia Qualifier 2025

PSL Halted Amid Regional Tensions

The Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) initially planned to relocate the remaining PSL matches to the UAE after tensions escalated. However, the Emirates Cricket Board (ECB) rejected the proposal, leaving the PCB with no choice but to cancel the tournament.

The announcement came shortly after the BCCI postponed the IPL for a week due to the same geopolitical concerns.

Overseas players were swiftly evacuated to Dubai via charter flights, from where they caught connecting flights to their home countries. Bangladesh leg-spinner Rishad Hossain, part of the Lahore Qalandars squad, recounted the terrifying ordeal, revealing that the airport they departed from was struck by a missile just 20 minutes after their plane took off.

“After landing in Dubai, we heard that a missile struck the airport 20 minutes after we left. The news was scary and sorrowful, but we felt relieved to be safe in Dubai,” Rishad told Cricbuzz.

Read Also | Foreign players asked to return to their country as IPL 2025 postponed for a week due to India-Pakistan tension

Daryl Mitchell’s Vow and Tom Curran’s Distress

Rishad shared the palpable fear among foreign players, including Sam Billings, Daryl Mitchell, Kushal Perera, David Wiese, and Tom Curran.

“Landing in Dubai, Mitchell told me he would never go to Pakistan again, especially in this kind of scenario. They were all horrified,” Rishad said.

Recounting Tom Curran’s emotional breakdown, Rishad added, “Tom went to the airport, but heard it was closed. He started crying like a little child, and it took two or three people to console him.”

Read Also | India-Pakistan War: How Indian athletes reacted to it

Family Worries and Player Anxieties

Rishad also spoke about the anxiety his family felt during the crisis. “Whenever I play, my family worries about the situation. When they heard about the bomb blasts and missile strikes in Pakistan, they were naturally tense. I tried to console them and assure them I was safe,” he said.

PCB’s Failed Attempt to Salvage the Tournament

According to Rishad, the PCB chairman attempted to convince players to continue the tournament in Karachi, downplaying the severity of the situation.

“The chairman tried to hide that there were two drone attacks the day before, which we later learned about. Almost all foreign players agreed that Dubai was the only safe option,” Rishad revealed.

The PCB eventually facilitated the players’ safe evacuation to Dubai, a move Rishad credited to the board’s efforts. “Thanks to the PCB chairman and the Pakistan Cricket Board, we reached Dubai safely by the grace of Almighty Allah,” he said.

If anyone has followed cricket casually over the last decade, they're likely familiar with four key names: former Indian captain Virat Kohli, batting genius Steve Smith, English great Joe Root, and New Zealand's all-time leading run-scorer Kane Williamson.

They together are known as the 'Fab Four' in the modern era of cricket.

Each of them has set new benchmarks for performance, continually pushing one another to enhance their skills. These four batsmen have not only dominated the world of cricket but have also met the expectations of their respective nations.

In this article, we will examine the statistics of the Fab Four across all formats.

Fav Four in cricket: How many runs & centuries have they scored in International Cricket?

Virat Kohli has been the most prolific all-format batter among the fav-four. Kohli, till now in his 550 international games, has scored 27,599 runs with an outstanding average of 52.27. His record of 82 international centuries is only second to Sachin Tendulkar's 100 international centuries.

Read Also | Most ICC Trophies by any men's team

Joe Root comes in second among them with 20,724 runs so far for England across formats. However, undoubtedly, he has been the best test batter of his generation with 12972 test runs, which sets him as the highest test run scorer for England. Root has also scored 53 international hundreds, of which 36 came in tests only.

Read Also | Winners list of last 10 ICC Tournaments (men's)

Kane Williamson, New Zealand's highest runscorer in international cricket, comes at number three in terms of international runs among the fav four. The former Kiwi leader has scored 19,086 runs so far in his career at an average of 48.56. Kane is now only two short of reaching 50 international hundreds. 

Read Also | Most Test runs in 2024: Root, Jaiswal, Duckett and more

Aussie great Steven Smith comes at four with 17,165 runs at an average of 47.81. A late bloomer with the bat, Smith has been outstanding for Australia in tests and ODIs. Along with Root, Smith has also been one of the greatest test batters of this generation.

Here is a comparison of international stats of the fav four. 

Read Also: Most Wickets in Test Cricket

Fab Four in Cricket: Stats across different formats

Virat Kohli (IND)

Joe Root (ENG)

Kane Williamson (NZ)

Steven Smith (AUS)

Note: The article was initially written by Abishek Goswami and then got updated by Koushik Biswas