Noman, Shaheen star as Pakistan clinch 1st Test vs South Africa

Pakistan sealed a 93-run victory over South Africa in the opening Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, driven by a match-defining all-round bowling performance from left-arm spinner Noman Ali and a decisive fourth-innings burst from pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi. Chasing 277, South Africa were bowled out for 183 on the fourth day.

Noman and Shaheen dismantled the visitors’ chase with four wickets apiece, while Sajid Khan chipped in at key moments. South Africa’s pursuit stuttered early when captain Aiden Markram fell to Noman for three, and Wiaan Mulder departed without scoring. Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton briefly steadied the innings before Shaheen struck first over on the day to remove de Zorzi for 16.

Noman’s control through the middle overs produced further breakthroughs, including Tristan Stubbs for two, leaving South Africa 55-4. Dewald Brevis countered with a rapid 54 off 54 balls and, alongside Rickelton, pushed the total past 100 before Noman ended the stand. Sajid then accounted for Rickelton, and after lunch Pakistan wrapped up the tail as Shaheen returned to finish with 4-33, matched by Noman’s 4-79.

The foundations of Pakistan’s win were laid in the first innings with a total of 378, built around 93s from Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Ali Agha. South Africa replied with 269, anchored by de Zorzi’s fighting 104, as Noman grabbed 6-107. Pakistan’s second-innings 167 (Babar Azam 42, Abdullah Shafique 41, Saud Shakeel 38) set a target of 277, which proved far beyond the tourists.

Noman was named player of the match for his 10-wicket haul, while South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy finished with 11 wickets across the Test, including 6-117 and 5-57, in a losing cause.