LAHORE — Pakistan ended the world champion South Africa's formidable 10-Test winning streak by completing a gripping 93-run victory on the final day of an entertaining and hard-fought first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium.
A Landmark Victory Against the Run of Play
Coming into the series, the Proteas were the undisputed titans of the format, having swept aside all challengers, including comprehensive series wins against India and England. Pakistan, in contrast, was a team in transition, playing its first Test on home soil in over a year. The victory, therefore, was not just a win but a statement. "We knew we were the underdogs," said Pakistan captain Babar Azam after the match.
"South Africa have been playing incredible cricket, but we believed in our plans and the team showed great heart. To beat the number one side in the world, especially after the pressure they put us under, is a very special feeling for this young team."
The Foundation: A Century from the Captain
After winning the toss and opting to bat, Pakistan's innings was built around a masterful 103 from Babar Azam. On a pitch that offered assistance to the seamers from the outset, his knock was a study in concentration and class. He found able allies in Fawad Alam, who grinded out a patient 56, and wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan, whose counter-attacking 73 lower down the order propelled Pakistan to a competitive first-innings total of 308.
South Africa's pace quartet, led by the relentless Kagiso Rabada, kept the hosts in check. Rabada finished with 4/64, consistently asking questions with his pace and movement. However, the visitors' reply never truly gathered momentum. Debutant fast bowler Naseem Shah and the experienced Hasan Ali ripped through the top order, reducing South Africa to 112 for 5 before a fighting 70 from Temba Bavuma guided them to 254, handing Pakistan a crucial 54-run lead.
The Turning Point: A Spirited Second Innings
Pakistan's second innings was a collective effort, characterized by vital contributions throughout the lineup. Opener Abid Ali laid the platform with a solid 90, while Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam chipped in with valuable forties. The innings was anchored by a gritty, unbeaten 61 from all-rounder Faheem Ashraf, who shepherded the tail brilliantly to set South Africa a daunting target of 370 runs to win.
The key moments that defined the final day's play included:
- The early breakthrough by Shaheen Afridi, removing Dean Elgar caught behind.
- The crucial run-out of Rassie van der Dussen by a direct hit from substitute fielder Yasir Shah.
- The relentless pressure built by the spin duo of Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan on a wearing fifth-day pitch.
The Final Day: Nerve-Wracking Tension and Triumph
South Africa began the final day at 90 for 3, needing a further 280 runs with seven wickets in hand. The match was perfectly poised. Aiden Markram, resuming on 52, looked in imperious form, but his dismissal for 74, caught brilliantly by Babar Azam at slip off Nauman Ali, was the decisive blow. From there, the Pakistani bowlers tightened their grip. Wickets fell at regular intervals, with the lower order offering some resistance but never truly threatening the target.
The final wicket fell just after the lunch break when Hasan Ali cleaned up last man Lungi Ngidi, sparking wild celebrations among the Pakistani players and the loyal home crowd. The bowling honours were shared, with Hasan Ali taking 3/52 and Nauman Ali claiming the key wickets of Markram and Quinton de Kock to finish with 3/45. Reflecting on the tense finale, South African captain Quinton de Kock acknowledged the quality of the opposition.
"It was a proper Test match. They played the big moments better than us. Babar's hundred in the first innings was the difference. We fought hard, but credit to Pakistan, they were relentless with the ball on that final day and deserved the win."
What This Victory Means for Both Sides
For Pakistan, this victory is monumental. It reinforces the team's resilience and proves their capability to compete with the very best in the world, particularly in home conditions. The performances of young players like Naseem Shah and the all-round value of Faheem Ashraf point towards a bright future. More importantly, it brings immense joy to a nation starved of consistent international cricket at home.
For South Africa, the defeat halts a historic run but also serves as a reality check. Their batting, outside of Markram and Bavuma, appeared vulnerable against high-quality spin and reverse swing. The loss exposes areas for improvement as they look to maintain their dominance in the Test arena. The result sets up a fascinating decider in the second and final Test, with the World Test Championship points on the line.
Conclusion: A Test Match to Remember
The first Test in Lahore was a magnificent advertisement for the longest format of the game. It ebbed and flowed over five days, featuring individual brilliance, tactical battles, and a nerve-shredding finish. Pakistan, against the odds, emerged victorious, not only claiming a 1-0 lead in the series but also delivering a significant blow to the aura of invincibility surrounding the world champions.
The victory was built on a complete team performance: a captain's century, vital lower-order runs, and a bowling attack that hunted as a pack. As the teams prepare for the second Test, the momentum is firmly with Pakistan, while South Africa is left to ponder how to restart a winning run that was so decisively ended in the heart of Punjab.