Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, to take a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series, thanks to a brilliant all-round bowling display led by Nauman Ali and Shaheen Shah Afridi.
Resuming on the fourth day, South Africa’s Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi began their side’s chase, but early breakthroughs from Pakistan’s pacers quickly derailed the innings. De Zorzi was the first to fall without adding to his overnight score, dismissed by Shaheen Shah Afridi, who bowled with aggression and control throughout the innings.
Spinner Nauman Ali, fresh from breaking Abdul Qadir’s 37-year-old record, continued his fine form by removing Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham, tightening Pakistan’s grip on the match. Fellow spinner Sajid Khan then dismissed the well-set Rickelton for 45 runs, ending South Africa’s hopes of a sustained partnership.
Shaheen Afridi returned for another decisive spell, claiming the wickets of Kyle Verreynne and Simon Harmer, while Sajid Khan dismissed Marco Jansen before Shaheen wrapped up the innings by bowling out the final batter.
In South Africa’s second innings, Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi both claimed four wickets each, while Sajid Khan took two, restricting the visitors and sealing the win. Nauman finished the match with 10 wickets, earning plaudits for his exceptional consistency and control.
Earlier in the game, South Africa had been bowled out for 269 runs in their first innings before lunch on the third day, replying to Pakistan’s 378. With a 109-run lead, Pakistan began their second innings positively but eventually folded for 167, setting a target of 277 for South Africa.
By the close of play on day three, South Africa were 51 for 2, with captain Aiden Markram dismissed for 3 and Wiaan Mulder for a duck, leaving the visitors under pressure heading into the final day.
The fourth day confirmed Pakistan’s dominance, as their bowlers maintained tight lines and relentless pressure. Nauman’s sharp turners and Shaheen’s reverse swing proved too much for the Proteas batting order.
Cricket analysts hailed the win as a statement of Pakistan’s growing balance in both pace and spin departments, especially on home soil. The team now heads into the second Test with momentum and confidence to clinch the series.
