Pakistan Defeat South Africa by 93 Runs, Take 1-0 Lead in Series

LAHORE – Pakistan secured a thrilling 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

On Day 4, South Africa resumed their second innings at 51/2 while chasing a target of 277. Overnight batters Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi looked to build the innings, but de Zorzi was dismissed early without adding to his overnight score, trapped LBW by Shaheen Shah Afridi.

Nauman Ali then struck twice, removing Tristan Stubbs and Dewald Brevis, while Sajid Khan dismissed the well-set Ryan Rickelton for 45, caught by Agha Salman. The South African batting order collapsed under pressure as Afridi and Sajid cleaned up the tail.

Afridi dismissed Verreynne and Subrayen, while Sajid trapped Muthusamy LBW. Afridi then returned to bowl out the final batter, sealing the match for Pakistan.

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In the second innings, Nauman Ali and Shaheen Afridi both claimed four wickets each, while Sajid Khan picked up two. Nauman Ali finished with a remarkable 10 wickets in the match.

Earlier, South Africa had been bowled out for 269 in their first innings in response to Pakistan’s 378, giving the home side a 109-run lead. However, Pakistan struggled in their second innings and were bowled out for just 167, setting South Africa a target of 277.

South Africa ended Day 3 on 51/2, but their batting collapsed on Day 4 as Pakistan’s bowlers dominated the proceedings.

With this win, Pakistan now lead the two-Test series 1-0, heading confidently into the second and final match.