LAHORE: Pakistan claimed an impressive 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Pakistan’s bowlers delivered a brilliant performance, with Shaheen Shah Afridi and Noman Ali each taking four wickets to dismantle South Africa for 183 while chasing a target of 277 runs.
Noman Ali provided crucial breakthroughs early on Day 4, dismissing key batters including Tristan Stubbs. His consistent spin attack kept the Proteas under pressure from the start. Shaheen Afridi added to the visitors’ misery by removing Tony de Zorzi for 16, who had earlier scored a century in the first innings. The left-arm pacer then ripped through the lower order, sealing a dominant win for Pakistan. Sajid Khan also contributed with two wickets in the second innings.
On Day 3, spin dominated the game as 16 wickets fell in a single day. South Africa ended the day at 51 for two, still needing 226 runs with eight wickets in hand.
Earlier, South Africa had resumed their first innings at 216 for six and were eventually bowled out for 269. De Zorzi was the standout performer with 104 runs off 171 balls, hitting ten fours and two sixes. For Pakistan, Noman Ali was exceptional, taking six wickets for 112 runs — his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. Sajid Khan took three wickets, while Salman Ali Agha picked up one.
In their second innings, Pakistan struggled with the bat, managing only 167 runs. Babar Azam scored 42, while Saud Shakeel added a quick 38. Despite a collapse that saw six wickets fall for just 16 runs, Pakistan’s earlier lead proved enough for victory.
In other news read more about Pakistan Set 277-Run Target for South Africa After Dramatic Collapse in Lahore
For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy starred with five wickets, finishing with match figures of 11 for 174. However, his efforts were not enough to stop Pakistan from clinching a commanding win and taking the upper hand in the series.
