Pakistan Halts the Proteas' 10-Test Unbeaten Run.

Cricket match action

Shaheen Afridi claimed a quartet of wickets in the final innings following going wicketless in the first innings.

First Test, Lahore (day four)

The home side 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar 42; the spinner 5-57)

The visitors 269 (Tony de Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Dewald Brevis 54; Shaheen Afridi 4-33, Noman 4-79)

The hosts secured a 93-run victory

Pakistan brought an end to world champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by sealing a 93-run margin win in an entertaining and closely contested first Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, who had a 10-Test unbeaten run in Test cricket 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.

Having resumed on 51-2, they lost century-maker Tony de Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the finely-poised run chase in Pakistan's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who secured 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, dismissed Tristan Stubbs for two and clean bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opening batsman Ryan Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the post-lunch session to dismiss the tail with a fine display of reverse swing.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne leg before for nineteen and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to secure the victory.

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into the number two spot after table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was founded on contributions of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to 378.

After that slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid utilized helpful home pitches, as they had in their Test series win over England last year, to maintain their lead.

The second and final Test begins on October 20.

Joanna Sullivan
Joanna Sullivan

A passionate storyteller and mindfulness advocate, Evelyn finds beauty in everyday experiences and loves sharing insights to inspire others.