Sports Desk: Pakistan Halts South Africa’s Test Streak in Style
Stunning Upset in Lahore
Pakistan delivered a crushing blow to South Africa‘s remarkable 10-match Test winning streak, clinching a 93-run victory in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium on October 15, 2025. Chasing 277, the visitors crumbled to 183, handing Pakistan a 1-0 lead in the two-match series. The win marks a bold start for Pakistan in the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle.
South Africa’s Chase Falters
Resuming day four at 51/2, South Africa showed fight through a 73-run stand between Dewald Brevis (54) and Ryan Rickelton (45). However, Pakistan’s bowlers struck back, with spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan dismantling the middle order. Noman’s 4/79 and Shaheen Shah Afridi’s 4/33, including lethal reverse swing, sealed the collapse by the middle session.
Pakistan’s First Innings Firepower
Pakistan set the tone with a robust 378 in their first innings, driven by Imam-ul-Haq (93), Shan Masood (76), and Agha Salman (93). South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy claimed 6/117, but the hosts secured a 109-run lead. Tony de Zorzi’s 104 kept the Proteas competitive, though Noman Ali’s 6/112 ensured Pakistan’s edge.
Second Innings Drama
Pakistan’s second innings saw a wobble, folding for 167 with Babar Azam’s 42 standing out against Muthusamy’s 5/57 and Simon Harmer’s 4/51. Despite the low total, the 276-run target proved steep on a spin-friendly Lahore pitch, where no team has chased that high. South Africa’s hopes faded as wickets tumbled steadily.
Key Performers Shine
Noman Ali earned Player of the Match for his 10 wickets across both innings, showcasing his spin mastery. Shaheen Afridi’s fiery spell on day four, especially his yorkers, broke South Africa’s tail. For the visitors, Brevis and Rickelton’s resistance offered glimpses of potential, but not enough to counter Pakistan’s attack.
Tactical Triumph for Pakistan
Captain Shan Masood’s decision to bat first on a dry, cracking pitch paid off, leveraging spin and reverse swing to outmaneuver the reigning Test champions. South Africa’s three-spinner strategy, missing Keshav Maharaj, struggled to contain Pakistan early. The hosts’ balanced attack, blending pace and spin, proved decisive.
What Lies Ahead
This loss dents South Africa’s momentum as they head to Rawalpindi for the second Test, where similar conditions may await. Pakistan, buoyed by this win, look to press their advantage against a side eager to regroup. The series promises more intense battles as both teams eye World Test Championship points.