WEB DESK: 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.
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.
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.
