Pakistan pulled off a remarkable 93-run victory over reigning world champions South Africa in the first Test at Lahore on Wednesday, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Spinner Nauman Ali’s match-winning 10-wicket haul and Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spell sealed the win after South Africa were bowled out for 183 runs while chasing 277.
Nauman Ali emerged as the hero for Pakistan, claiming 6 wickets in the first innings and 4 more in the second, completing a memorable 10-wicket performance in the match. His disciplined spin bowling dismantled South Africa’s batting line-up on a surface that increasingly aided turn.
In the second innings, Nauman removed key players including Aiden Markram, Wiaan Mulder, and Dewald Brevis, who top-scored for South Africa with a quick 54 off 54 balls. His consistency and control kept the visitors under pressure throughout.
Shaheen Afridi and Sajid Khan join party
Left-arm pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi complemented Nauman’s brilliance by dismissing four batters in South Africa’s second innings, including Kyle Verreynne and Kagiso Rabada. Sajid Khan also chipped in with two wickets to wrap up the lower order.
Ryan Rickelton (45) and Dewald Brevis (54) tried to resist but couldn’t prevent the inevitable collapse, with South Africa folding for just 183 runs.
Pakistan’s first innings total of 378 laid the foundation for their triumph. Imam-ul-Haq (93), Shan Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (75), and Salman Agha (93) led the way with crucial contributions. Despite a middle-order collapse, Pakistan gained a 109-run first-innings lead after bowling out South Africa for 269.
In the second innings, Pakistan were restricted to 167, with Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41), and Saud Shakeel (38) offering resistance. South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy was their standout bowler, taking 11 wickets in the match (6 in the first innings and 5 in the second), while Simon Harmer claimed 4 wickets in the final innings.
South Africa falter under pressure
Chasing 277 runs to win, South Africa’s top order faltered early. Captain Aiden Markram was bowled for 3, while Mulder was out for a duck. Although Rickelton and Brevis steadied the innings briefly, Pakistan’s bowlers struck at regular intervals.
From 128/5, South Africa’s lower order collapsed, losing their last five wickets for just 55 runs. The team was eventually bowled out in the 61st over, giving Pakistan a well-deserved victory.
