Pakistan Halts South Africa's 10-match Victory Run.

Cricket match action

The left-arm pacer secured a quartet of wickets in the final innings following failing to take a wicket in the first innings.

Opening Test, Lahore (the fourth day)

The home side 378 (Imam-ul-Haq 93, Agha 93; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar Azam 42; Muthusamy 5-57)

South Africa 269 (Tony de Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Brevis 54; Shaheen 4-33, Noman Ali 4-79)

Pakistan won by 93 runs

The national team brought an end to world champions the Proteas' winning streak by completing a 93-run victory in an entertaining and hard-fought first Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format ended with victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Starting the day on 51-2, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman, who claimed 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on sharp turn to end opener Ryan Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He trapped Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the victory.

It was each team's first match of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into the number two spot after leaders the Australian team.

Their victory was founded on key performances of 93 by opener Imam and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which boosted them to 378.

From there slow bowlers Noman and Sajid utilized favourable home conditions, as they did in their series victory over the English team last year, to sustain their lead.

The second and last match starts on 20 October.

Kevin Williams
Kevin Williams

A passionate collector and historian with over a decade of experience in sourcing and restoring vintage items.

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