Pakistan Stops the Proteas' 10-Test Victory Run.

Cricket match action

The left-arm pacer took a quartet of wickets in the second innings after failing to take a wicket in the initial session.

First Test, the Gaddafi Stadium (the fourth day)

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

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

Pakistan won by 93 runs

The national team brought an end to world champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by completing a 93-run margin triumph in an entertaining and closely contested opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-match winning streak in the longest format ended with a win against Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they lost century-maker De Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman, who secured 10-191 in the game, dismissed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to end opener Ryan Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 - and Shaheen returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the tail with a fine display of reverse-swing bowling.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne leg before for nineteen and dismissed Subrayen and Rabada to secure the win.

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and propels Pakistan directly into second place after table-toppers Australia.

Their victory was founded on key performances of 93 by opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, all-rounder Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

From there slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid Khan utilized helpful home pitches, as they had in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to maintain their advantage.

The next and final Test starts on 20 October.

Ana Patel
Ana Patel

A seasoned entertainment journalist with a passion for uncovering the latest celebrity scoops and trends.