LAHORE: Left-arm spinner Noman Ali produced a sensational all-round bowling performance as Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs in a gripping first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday. Chasing a challenging target of 277, the visitors were bowled out for 183 on the fourth day, giving Pakistan an ideal start to their new World Test Championship (WTC) campaign.
The 39-year-old Noman, named Player of the Match, finished with figures of 4-79 in the second innings and 10-191 for the match his third ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. Exploiting the sharply turning and low-bouncing pitch to perfection, Noman dismantled the South African middle order despite a stubborn 73-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton that briefly threatened Pakistan’s control of the game.
The fourth day began with South Africa on 51-2, but Pakistan struck early through Shaheen Shah Afridi, who trapped Tony de Zorzi for 16. Brevis counterattacked with a fluent 54, including six fours and two sixes, before Noman bowled him with a delivery that turned sharply past his bat. Rickelton fought hard for his gritty 45, but fell to Sajid Khan just before lunch, triggering a collapse that saw the remaining wickets tumble quickly. Shaheen cleaned up the tail, taking 4-33 to seal victory.
The Lahore surface proved a spinner’s paradise, with 34 of the 40 wickets in the match falling to spin. South African left-armer Senuran Muthusamy also impressed, claiming 11-174, but his efforts went in vain as the visitors failed to cope with Pakistan’s relentless attack. Pakistan’s first-innings total of 378 and their modest second-innings 167 were ultimately enough to secure a commanding win after South Africa managed 269 in their first outing.
Following the victory, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi praised the team’s collective effort, calling the performance a reflection of “teamwork and discipline.” He added, “Pakistan played excellently against South Africa in every department.” The win gives Pakistan early momentum in the WTC cycle after a disappointing previous edition. The second and final Test of the series begins in Rawalpindi on Monday, where Pakistan will look to seal the series.