ISLAMABAD: Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over defending champions South Africa in the opening Test, with Noman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi starring in a dominant bowling performance in Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 277, South Africa were bowled out for just 183 in their second innings, as Pakistan's spinners and pace attack combined effectively to dismantle the visitors. Noman Ali claimed 4 for 79, while Shaheen Shah Afridi returned equally impressive figures of 4 for 33.
South Africa’s collapse
South Africa began Day 4 at 51 for 2, needing a further 226 runs to win with eight wickets in hand. With Pakistan already in control, the hosts wasted no time tightening their grip on the match.
Shaheen Shah Afridi set the tone early by removing first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi for 16. Noman Ali then took charge, claiming two quick wickets. Tristan Stubbs (2) fell attempting a reckless reverse sweep, while Dewald Brevis, who had looked dangerous with a counterattacking 54 off 54 balls, was outsmarted by Noman’s clever use of flight and turn.
Brevis's aggressive half-century offered South Africa a brief glimmer of hope, but once he departed, the visitors' resistance began to unravel.
Ryan Rickelton tried to anchor the innings with a patient 45 off 145 balls, but lacked support at the other end. His dismissal — caught by Agha Salman off Sajid Khan — ended South Africa's last meaningful partnership.
From there, the collapse was swift. Shaheen Afridi returned to rip through the lower order, removing Subrayen and Rabada in successive overs and wrapping up the innings in 60.5 overs. South Africa were all out for 183, handing Pakistan a well-deserved 93-run victory.
First innings recap
Earlier, Pakistan posted 378 in their first innings after opting to bat first. In reply, South Africa were dismissed for 269, handing the hosts a 109-run lead.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was the standout performer, claiming 6 for 112 — his ninth five-wicket haul in Test cricket. He bowled a marathon 35 overs, applying relentless pressure on the South African batters. Spinner Sajid Khan supported well with figures of 3 for 98 from 33 overs, including the final wicket of Kagiso Rabada, bowled for a duck.
South Africa’s main resistance came from Tony de Zorzi, who resumed on 81 and reached his second Test century with six and two singles off Noman. His resilient innings of 104 off 208 minutes featured 10 fours and two sixes before he holed out to long-on.
Match summary
Pakistan 1st Innings: 328
South Africa 1st Innings: 275
Pakistan 2nd Innings: 223
South Africa 2nd Innings (Target: 277): 183 all out (60.5 overs)
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