Lahore: Left-arm spinner Noman Ali played a pivotal role as Pakistan secured a 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test match held in Lahore. The gripping encounter concluded on Wednesday, with the World Test champions South Africa set a challenging target of 277 runs, only to be bowled out for 183 on the fourth day.
According to Bangladesh Sangbad Sangstha, Noman Ali emerged as the standout performer, claiming figures of 4-79 in the second innings and an impressive 10-191 in the match, marking his third instance of taking ten wickets or more in Test cricket. The 39-year-old spinner effectively utilized the conditions of the Gaddafi Stadium pitch, which offered sharp turn and low bounce, to dismantle the South African batting lineup. Despite a resilient 73-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton in the morning session, Pakistan’s spinners dominated the proceedings, accounting for 34 out of 40 wickets in the match.
South African spinner Senuran Muthusamy also made an impact, taking 11-174 across the match. Pakistan, having posted 378 runs in their first innings, saw a response of 269 from South Africa. On a deteriorating pitch, the hosts managed only 167 in their second innings, but it proved to be a sufficient lead.
On the final day, with South Africa at 137-6 during lunch, the outcome seemed inevitable. Sajid Khan then dismissed Muthusamy shortly after the break, while pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi removed Kyle Verreynne, Prenelan Subrayen, and Kagiso Rabada to finish with figures of 4-33.
This victory provides Pakistan with an excellent start to the World Test Championship, following their last-place finish in the previous edition. The teams will face off again in the second and final Test in Rawalpindi, starting on Monday.
In the morning session, Dewald Brevis challenged the Pakistan spinners, reaching a career-best 54 with six fours and two sixes before being bowled by a sharply turning delivery from Noman. Opener Ryan Rickelton’s steadfast innings ended just before lunch when he was dismissed for 45 by Sajid Khan.
The day began with Pakistan striking early through fast bowler Shaheen, who trapped Tony de Zorzi for 16, preventing South Africa from adding to their overnight total of 51-2. Tristan Stubbs struggled against the spin, and on two, his reverse sweep off Noman landed safely in the hands of Salman Agha. Brevis reached his second Test half-century with a six off Noman before succumbing as the spinner’s fourth victim.