Pakistan began their ICC Test Championship campaign with a commanding 93-run victory over the reigning world champions, South Africa, in the Lahore Test.
It was a dramatic start to the day—wickets fell in the very first over, and another followed soon after. However, Dewald Brevis fought back with fearless, aggressive batting, unsettling the Pakistan camp. His departure after a well-made fifty ended South Africa’s resistance, paving the way for a superb Pakistan win that gave them a 1-0 lead in the series.
In pursuit of a 277-run target, South Africa were bowled out for 183 during the second session on the final day. This was the first match of the new ICC Test Championship cycle for both teams. Pakistan began their campaign on a high, while defending champions South Africa stumbled at the start of their title defense.
Nauman Ali was the hero of the match, taking 10 wickets, including 4 in the second innings. The 39-year-old left-arm spinner achieved a 10-wicket match haul for the third time in his 20-Test career. Shaheen Shah Afridi also shone, claiming 4 wickets in the second innings, including the last three to seal the win.
Chasing the highest-ever fourth-innings total in Pakistan’s Test history was a daunting challenge for South Africa. On a spin-friendly pitch, the visitors needed 226 runs on the final day with eight wickets in hand.
Shaheen struck early, trapping Tony de Zorzi lbw in the day’s third delivery. Tristan Stubbs lasted only eight balls before Nauman dismissed him with a sharp catch at slip. South Africa quickly slumped from 51/2 overnight to 55/4.
Brevis, showing great composure early on, shifted gears brilliantly—hammering Nauman for two fours and a six in one over and completing his fifty off just 51 balls. Alongside Ryan Rickelton, he built a promising stand. But the partnership ended when Brevis, after hitting a reverse sweep for four, was bowled by a beautiful delivery from Nauman. He scored 54 off 54 balls, with six boundaries and two sixes.
Once the 73-run stand was broken, South Africa’s hopes faded. Sajid Khan dismissed Rickelton for 45 off 145 balls and then sent back Senuran Muthusamy. Afridi cleaned up the tail, taking three wickets in two overs to finish the match.
Despite Muthusamy’s remarkable 11 wickets in the match, South Africa’s efforts went in vain. They had bowled Pakistan out for 167 in the second innings—claiming the last six wickets for just 17 runs—but the hosts’ first-innings lead of 109 proved decisive.
The second Test will begin on Monday in Rawalpindi.
Match Summary
- Pakistan 1st Innings: 378
- South Africa 1st Innings: 269
- Pakistan 2nd Innings: 167
- South Africa 2nd Innings (Target 277): 183 all out in 60.5 overs (Rickelton 45, Brevis 54, Afridi 4/33, Nauman 4/79)
Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs
Series: Pakistan lead 1–0 (2-match series)
Player of the Match: Nauman Ali
