Pakistan Crush South Africa by 93 Runs as Nauman Ali Spins a Web in Lahore

Pakistan stormed to a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series. Chasing 277 on the fourth day, the Proteas were bundled out for 183 as left-arm spinner Nauman Ali delivered a masterclass in spin bowling.

The 39-year-old veteran was the chief architect of South Africa’s downfall, claiming 10 wickets in the match—six in the first innings and four in the second. It marked the third time in his Test career that Nauman has taken 10 or more wickets in a match.

On a deteriorating Gaddafi pitch offering low bounce and sharp turn, Nauman made full use of the conditions to torment the visitors. Earlier in the day, Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton offered brief resistance with a 73-run stand, but their dismissals triggered a collapse.

Spinners dominated the entire contest, taking 34 of the 40 wickets to fall, while pacers managed just six. South Africa’s left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy also impressed with match figures of 11 for 174, despite ending on the losing side.

Batting first, Pakistan posted 378 in their first innings before bowling South Africa out for 269. The hosts then managed 167 in their second innings, setting the Proteas a target of 277—one that ultimately proved beyond reach.

By lunch on day four, South Africa had slumped to 137 for 6, and when Sajid Khan dismissed Muthusamy (6), Pakistan’s win was all but sealed. Shaheen Shah Afridi wrapped things up with 4 for 33, complementing Nauman’s brilliance.

Brevis fought hard for his 54 before being bowled by Nauman, while Rickelton (45) fell to Sajid just before the interval.

With this emphatic victory, Pakistan made a strong start to the new ICC World Test Championship cycle. The second and final Test of the series begins Monday in Rawalpindi.