Lahore: Pakistan began their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign with a 93-run victory over defending champions South Africa in the opening Test at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Chasing 277 to win, South Africa were bowled out for 183 in 60.5 overs as Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Shaheen Afridi delivered outstanding bowling spells to seal Pakistan’s win.
South Africa’s innings started poorly. Skipper Aiden Markram fell for just three runs to Noman, who soon dismissed Wiaan Mulder for a duck, reducing the visitors to 18-2. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi briefly resisted with a 33-run stand before Shaheen Afridi struck on the fourth morning to remove de Zorzi for 16. Noman’s tight spin attack continued as he trapped Tristan Stubbs for two.
Dewald Brevis counterattacked with a brisk 54 off 54 balls, putting on 73 runs with Rickelton (45). But once Noman removed Brevis at 128-5, Pakistan regained full control. After lunch, Sajid Khan picked up crucial wickets, dismissing Rickelton and Senuran Muthusamy (6) to put South Africa in trouble.
Lower-order resistance from Kyle Verreynne (19) and Simon Harmer was short-lived as Shaheen’s fiery second spell ended the innings. The pacer finished with 4-33, while Noman bagged 4-79 to complete a dominant display.
💥Reverse SWING masterclass! Shaheen Afridi wraps it up — 🇵🇰 start their WTC cycle with a statement 🔥#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/nvhGF1gyUe
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 15, 2025Pakistan’s first innings of 378 laid the groundwork for victory. Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha both fell just short of centuries with 93 each, while Shan Masood (76) and Mohammad Rizwan (75) added valuable runs. For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy stood out with 6-117, supported by Simon Harmer, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kagiso Rabada.
The Proteas replied with 269, driven by Tony de Zorzi’s 104 and Ryan Rickelton’s 71. Noman continued his fine form, taking 6-112, while Sajid Khan added three wickets. With a 109-run lead, Pakistan struggled in their second innings, managing 167 in 46.1 overs. Babar Azam (42), Abdullah Shafique (41), and Saud Shakeel (38) contributed before Muthusamy (5-57) and Harmer (4-51) ended the innings.
Despite the batting setback, Pakistan’s bowlers ensured total control, sealing a 93-run victory and taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match Test series. The win marks a strong start to Pakistan’s WTC 2025–27 campaign, showcasing balance in both spin and pace departments under home conditions.
