Pakistan end South Africa's 10-Test winning run
Noman spins hosts to 93-run win in 1st Test
October 16, 2025 00:00:00
Pakistan's captain Shan Masood (centre) celebrates with teammates after winning the first Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday-AFP
LAHORE, Pakistan, Oct 15 (Agencies): Left-arm spinner Noman Ali was South Africa's chief tormentor as Pakistan won a gripping first Test by 93 runs in Lahore on Wednesday.
The Proteas, whose 10-match winning streak in Test cricket culminated in victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.
Having resumed on 51-2, they lost first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the finely-poised chase in Pakistan's favour.
Set a daunting 277-run target for victory, the visitors and World Test champions were bowled out for 183 in the afternoon session on day four. Man of the match Noman finished with 4-79 and 10-191 in the match for his third haul of ten wickets or more in Tests. With the weary Gaddafi Stadium pitch taking sharp turn and low bounce, the 39-year-old exploited the conditions well despite a stubborn 73-run stand between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton in the morning.
In all, spinners from both sides took 34 wickets, with just six going to fast bowlers.
South African left-armer Senuran Muthusamy took 11-174 in the match.
Pakistan made 378 in their first innings, with South Africa scoring 269 in reply.
On a deteriorating surface, the hosts collapsed in their second-innings 167 but it proved enough.