Lahore — Pakistan began their ICC World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign in dominant fashion, sealing a convincing 93-run win over South Africa in the opening Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Set a challenging target of 277 runs, South Africa faltered under pressure, bowled out for just 183 as left-arm spinner Noman Ali and pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi tore through the visitors’ batting lineup. Both bowlers finished with four wickets apiece, while Sajid Khan provided valuable support in dismantling the Proteas.
South Africa’s chase began poorly after Aiden Markram, their skipper, was dismissed cheaply for three runs by Noman Ali with the score on 13-1. The left-armer struck again soon after, removing Wiaan Mulder for a duck, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the game. Rickelton and De Zorzi managed to steady the innings briefly, adding 33 runs for the third wicket before Shaheen struck early on the fourth morning.
Resuming at 51-2 overnight, South Africa’s hopes faded quickly as Shaheen dismissed Tony de Zorzi for 16 in the first over of the day. Noman then continued his outstanding form, removing Tristan Stubbs for just two runs, reducing the visitors to 55-4.
A fighting stand between Dewald Brevis and Rickelton provided some resistance, adding 50 runs for the fifth wicket and helping South Africa cross the 100-run mark. Brevis, who had been dismissed for a duck in the first innings, fought back with a brisk 54 off 54 balls his second Test half-century. But his resurgence was short-lived, as Noman struck again to end his stay at 128-5, breaking a crucial partnership.
From there, Pakistan tightened their stranglehold. Sajid Khan dismissed Rickelton before lunch, and after the interval, he struck again to remove Senuran Muthusamy for six, leaving South Africa reeling at 144-7.
A brief lower-order resistance from Kyle Verreynne (19) and Simon Harmer offered some hope, but Shaheen returned to deliver the knockout blows. His fiery spell accounted for both Verreynne and Prenelan Subrayen (8), wrapping up the innings with superb figures of 4 for 33, while Noman finished with 4 for 79.
Pakistan’s victory had been built on a strong foundation from the first innings, where they posted 378 runs. Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha both scored 93 apiece, steering the team to a competitive total despite a brilliant bowling display from Muthusamy, who claimed his career-best figures of 6 for 117 in 32 overs.
In reply, South Africa managed 269 runs, thanks largely to a fighting century from Tony de Zorzi (104). However, Noman Ali’s left-arm spin proved decisive again, as he took 6 for 107 in 35 overs, with Sajid Khan and Salman Agha sharing the remaining wickets.
With a first-innings lead of 109 runs, Pakistan stumbled in their second outing, folding for 167 in 46.1 overs. Babar Azam led the scoring with 42, followed by Abdullah Shafique (41) and Saud Shakeel (38). Muthusamy continued his fine form, picking up another five-wicket haul (5/57), while Simon Harmer took four and Kagiso Rabada chipped in with one.
Ultimately, it was Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman and Sajid, backed by Shaheen’s pace brilliance, that ensured a strong start to their WTC journey a performance that not only brought a home victory but also underlined Pakistan’s growing confidence in Test cricket.
