Sucessfull Start Of WTC Cyle For Pakistan Against South Africa
LAHORE: Pakistan kicked off their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27 journey in emphatic fashion, outclassing defending champions South Africa by 93 runs in the opening Test of the two-match series at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday.
Set a target of 277, the visitors were dismissed for 183 in 60.5 overs as left-arm spinner Noman Ali produced a remarkable spell, grabbing his second five-wicket haul of the match. He was well supported by Sajid Khan and Shaheen Afridi, who chipped in with crucial breakthroughs.
South Africa’s chase faltered early when captain Aiden Markram fell cheaply to Noman for just three. Noman struck again soon after, removing Wiaan Mulder without scoring, leaving the tourists reeling at 13-2. Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi managed to put on a 33-run stand before stumps on day three, offering some resistance.
The fourth morning brought immediate drama as Shaheen Afridi dismissed de Zorzi (16) with his third delivery of the day. The slide continued when Noman sent Tristan Stubbs (2) back to the pavilion, reducing South Africa to 51-3.
Dewald Brevis, who had failed in the first innings, played a counterattacking knock of 54 off 54 balls, adding 50 runs alongside Rickelton (41) to give his side faint hope. However, Noman once again broke the partnership by removing Brevis at 128-5. Sajid Khan then claimed Rickelton’s wicket, and after lunch, he struck again to dismiss Senuran Muthusamy (6), leaving the visitors at 144-7.
There was a brief lower-order fightback from Kyle Verreynne (19) and Simon Harmer, but Shaheen Afridi’s fiery burst ended the resistance. The left-arm pacer wrapped up the innings, finishing with 4 for 33, while Noman also ended with 4 for 79.
Pakistan’s victory was built on a strong first-innings performance, posting 378 runs, thanks to significant contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Salman Ali Agha (93), Shan Masood (76), and Mohammad Rizwan (75). For South Africa, Muthusamy took 6 for 117, with Prenelan Subrayen bagging two wickets, while Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer picked one each.
In reply, South Africa made 269, led by Tony de Zorzi’s fighting century (104) and Rickelton’s 71. Noman was again the chief destroyer with 6 for 107, while Sajid Khan picked up three wickets.
Holding a lead of 109, Pakistan’s batting faltered in the second innings, folding for 167 in 46.1 overs. Babar Azam (42) top-scored, with Abdullah Shafique (41) and Saud Shakeel (38) providing handy runs. Muthusamy was again among the wickets, claiming 5 for 57, while Harmer took four and Rabada one.
In the end, Pakistan’s spin duo of Noman and Sajid, backed by Shaheen’s pace, ensured a memorable win to open their WTC campaign on a high note.
