Pakistan began their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 campaign on a winning note, defeating defending champions South Africa by 93 runs in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing a target of 277, South Africa were bowled out for 183 in 60.5 overs, as spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, along with pacer Shaheen Afridi, led Pakistan to victory.
The visitors’ chase got off to a shaky start when captain Aiden Markram fell early to Noman for just three runs. The left-arm spinner struck again soon after, removing Wiaan Mulder for a duck to leave South Africa reeling at 18-2.
Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi offered brief resistance with a 33-run partnership before Shaheen Afridi made an immediate impact on the fourth day, dismissing de Zorzi for 16. Noman continued his fine form by removing Tristan Stubbs for 2, tightening Pakistan’s hold on the match.
Dewald Brevis provided some fight with a brisk 54 off 54 balls, sharing a 73-run stand with Rickelton (45). However, once Noman dismissed Brevis at 128-5, the remaining batting lineup struggled to cope with Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack. Sajid Khan picked up key wickets, removing Rickelton and Senuran Muthusamy (6) after lunch to leave the Proteas in deep trouble.
Kyle Verreynne (19) and Simon Harmer tried to hold on, but Shaheen’s fiery second spell wrapped up the innings in style. The left-armer finished with figures of 4-33, while Noman claimed 4-79 to seal a memorable win for the hosts.
Earlier, Pakistan’s first-innings total of 378 laid the foundation for the victory. Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha both missed centuries by narrow margins, scoring 93 each, while Shan Masood (76) and Mohammad Rizwan (75) added valuable runs.
For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy was the standout bowler with 6-117 in 32 overs, supported by Prenelan Subrayen, Simon Harmer, and Kagiso Rabada. The visitors replied with 269 in their first innings, thanks to Tony de Zorzi’s fighting 104 and Ryan Rickelton’s 71. Noman once again shone with the ball, taking 6-112, while Sajid Khan bagged three wickets.
With a 109-run lead, Pakistan faced some pressure in their second innings, managing just 167 in 46.1 overs. Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41), and Saud Shakeel (38) provided key contributions before the Proteas’ spinners, led by Muthusamy (5-57) and Harmer (4-51), wrapped up the innings.
Despite their struggles with the bat in the second innings, Pakistan’s bowlers ensured the team maintained control, sealing a convincing victory and taking a 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Following the win, Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) Chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the national team on their performance.
“Heartiest congratulations to Pakistan Test Team on a remarkable victory against the World Test Champions, South Africa.
This win reflects true teamwork and excellence across all departments. Kudos to the captain, players, coaching staff and management for their outstanding performance. Wishing the team continued success and consistency in the next Test! ??” Naqvi wrote on X (formerly Twitter).