Lahore — The Pakistan vs South Africa Test kicked off Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign in dominant fashion, with a 93-run victory at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali starred with the ball, dismantling South Africa’s chase and sealing a crucial win in the opening match of the two-Test series.
Chasing a target of 277, South Africa collapsed for 183, thanks to match-winning spells from Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali. Both bowlers claimed four wickets each, while Sajid Khan provided crucial support with two scalps.
The Pakistan vs South Africa Test saw early drama as Noman dismissed captain Aiden Markram for just three runs, followed by Wiaan Mulder for a duck. Rickelton and De Zorzi briefly steadied the innings with a 33-run stand.
Resuming at 51-2, South Africa faltered quickly. Shaheen struck in the first over, removing De Zorzi for 16. Noman continued his dominance, dismissing Tristan Stubbs and later Dewald Brevis, who had earlier scored a brisk 54 off 54 balls.
Sajid Khan then removed Rickelton and Senuran Muthusamy, reducing the visitors to 144-7. A brief resistance from Kyle Verreynne and Simon Harmer followed, but Shaheen’s fiery spell sealed the win. He wrapped up the innings with figures of 4/33, while Noman finished with 4/79—taking his match tally to 10 wickets.
Pakistan’s strong position was built on a first-innings total of 378, powered by 93-run knocks from Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha. South Africa’s left-arm spinner Muthusamy impressed with career-best figures of 6/117.
In reply, South Africa posted 269, anchored by a fighting century from Tony de Zorzi (104). Noman Ali starred again with 6/107, supported by Sajid Khan and Salman Agha.
With a 109-run lead, Pakistan faltered in their second innings, managing just 167. Babar Azam top-scored with 42, followed by Abdullah Shafique (41) and Saud Shakeel (38). Muthusamy continued his form, claiming 5/57, while Harmer took four wickets.
The Pakistan vs South Africa Test showcased Pakistan’s bowling depth and resilience, setting the tone for the WTC campaign. With one match remaining in the series, Pakistan will look to carry forward the momentum and secure a clean sweep.
