Pakistan have pulled off a stunning win in Lahore, ending South Africa’s 10-match unbeaten streak with a 93-run victory in the first Test of the new World Test Championship cycle.
The Proteas, who came into the match riding high after their triumph over Australia in the World Test Championship final, were bowled out for 183 while chasing 277 — a target that looked achievable until Pakistan’s bowlers produced a masterclass on home soil.
Pakistan’s pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi struck early on the final day, trapping first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw with a lethal in-swinger. From there, the hosts never looked back.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed an incredible 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, continued his hot streak by dismissing Tristan Stubbs for just two and clean-bowling Dewald Brevis, who fought bravely for a run-a-ball 54.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan joined the party, ending opener Ryan Rickelton’s resistance after a gritty 145-ball 45. Once the top order crumbled, Afridi returned to clean up the tail, bowling Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal Pakistan’s commanding win.
The foundation for Pakistan’s victory was laid in the first innings, where Imam-ul-Haq’s 93 and a crucial lower-order knock of 78 from Salman Agha pushed the total to 378. That proved to be the difference in a game where runs were hard to come by.
The spin duo of Noman and Sajid then exploited Lahore’s turning surface perfectly — just as they did during last year’s Test series win over England — to keep South Africa on the back foot throughout.
With this result, Pakistan move into second place in the 2025–27 World Test Championship table, just behind Australia. The Proteas, meanwhile, will be desperate to bounce back when the second and final Test begins on October 20.
Pakistan’s performance in this Test not only showcased their bowling depth but also reaffirmed their dominance on home soil — and in the process, reminded the cricketing world why Lahore remains one of the toughest grounds to conquer.
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