Pakistan outplay South Africa to go one up in Test series

LAHORE: Pakistan opened their World Test Championship 2025–27 campaign with a commanding 93-run victory over reigning champions South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.

Set a daunting target of 277, South Africa were bowled out for 183 in their second innings, undone by Pakistan’s relentless spin trio and a fiery burst from Shaheen Shah Afridi. The visitors briefly threatened through a counter-attacking Dewald Brevis, who smashed 54 off 54 balls with six fours and two sixes, but his dismissal triggered a collapse that Pakistan capitalized on with ruthless precision.

Noman Ali, who had already claimed six wickets in the first innings, added four more to complete a 10-wicket match haul, while Shaheen Afridi cleaned up the tail with 4-33. Sajid Khan chipped in with 2-38, including the prized scalp of Ryan Rickelton (45), who had looked settled before falling to a sharp delivery.

South Africa’s chase began shakily, losing Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) in an early day. Despite a brief resistance from Tony de Zorzi (16) and Tristan Stubbs (2), it was the fifth-wicket stand between Rickelton and Brevis that gave the visitors a glimmer of hope. But once Brevis was dismissed at 128/5, the innings unraveled swiftly.

Earlier in the match, Pakistan had posted 378 in their first innings, built on solid contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Shan Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (75), and Salman Ali Agha (93). South Africa responded with 269, led by Tony de Zorzi’s 104 and Rickelton’s 71, but fell short of parity as Noman Ali spun a web around their middle order. Pakistan’s second innings saw a dip in form, managing just 167, with Babar Azam (42) and Abdullah Shafique (41) offering resistance. Senuran Muthusamy continued his fine form with another five-wicket haul, finishing with 11 wickets in the match, while Simon Harmer added 4-51.

But it was Pakistan’s bowlers who had the final say. On a pitch offering turn and variable bounce, they exploited conditions expertly, with Noman and Shaheen sharing the spoils and sealing a memorable win.

Now the series is 1-0 in Pakistan’s favor, the hosts will look to carry this momentum into the second Test, while South Africa must regroup quickly and find answers to Pakistan’s spin dominance. For now, though, it’s Pakistan who stand tall—victorious, confident, and off to a flying start in the new WTC cycle.