Pakistan Halts the Proteas' 10-Test Unbeaten Run.

Cricket match action

The left-arm pacer claimed a quartet of wickets in the final innings after failing to take a wicket in the first innings.

Opening Test, Lahore (day four)

Pakistan 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar 42; Muthusamy 5-57)

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

The hosts secured a 93-run victory

Pakistan brought an end to the reigning champions South Africa's unbeaten run by completing a 93-run victory in an entertaining and competitive opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-Test unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in a win against the Aussies in the WTC final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, they saw the dismissal of first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, removed Stubbs for two and clean bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a run-a-ball 54.

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

He trapped Kyle Verreynne leg before for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.

It was each team's first match of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and propels Pakistan directly into second place behind leaders the Australian team.

Their victory was founded on contributions of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, all-rounder Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

From there slow bowlers Noman and Sajid utilized favourable home conditions, as they did in their series victory over the English team last year, to maintain their advantage.

The second and last match begins on October 20.

Traci Sweeney
Traci Sweeney

A passionate writer and tech enthusiast with a background in digital media, dedicated to sharing valuable insights and trends.