Lahore, October 15, 2025: Pakistan ended South Africa’s record 10-Test winning streak with a commanding 93-run victory at the Gaddafi Stadium on Wednesday, as left-arm spinner Noman Ali and pace spearhead Shaheen Shah Afridi combined to deliver a rousing win on the fourth day of the first Test.
Chasing 277 — a target never achieved before in a Test at the venue — South Africa were bowled out for 183, with Noman claiming 4 for 79 and Afridi 4 for 33. The result gave Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the two-match series, extending their dominance on home soil.
The visitors began the day on 51 for 2, but any hope of a historic chase faded quickly when Afridi and Noman struck in the opening overs. Afridi breached Tony de Zorzi’s defence with his third delivery, before Tristan Stubbs fell to a sharp turning ball from Noman, reverse-sweeping straight to Salman Ali Agha at slip.
South Africa’s early collapse left them reeling at 55 for 4, before Dewald Brevis launched a spirited counterattack. The 22-year-old, playing just his third Test, entertained the Lahore crowd with a run-a-ball 54, featuring six boundaries and two sixes — including a no-look hit over long-on that brought up his fifty.
But Noman had the last laugh, deceiving Brevis with one that gripped and spun past his defence to rattle the stumps — his 10th wicket of the match, marking his third Test 10-for. Sajid Khan then trapped Ryan Rickelton (45) with a well-flighted delivery just before lunch, leaving Pakistan four wickets away from victory.
After lunch, Senuran Muthusamy fell leg-before to Noman, and Pakistan appeared content to bide their time until Afridi returned for a fiery spell that finished the job.
The left-arm pacer, operating around the wicket, found reverse swing with the ageing ball, trapping Kyle Verreynne plumb in front before sending down two searing yorkers to clean up Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada. Afridi’s late burst ensured Pakistan wrapped up the match inside four days, sealing a memorable 93-run triumph.
The foundation for the win was laid in the first innings when Pakistan posted 378, powered by steady contributions across the order, while South Africa managed 269 in reply. Pakistan’s second-innings total of 167 — highlighted by Babar Azam’s 42 — left the Proteas needing 277 for victory on a deteriorating pitch.
Left-arm spinner Muthusamy (5-57) and off-spinner Simon Harmer (4-51) had kept South Africa in contention, but Pakistan’s bowlers proved too effective in the final innings.
The victory maintained Pakistan’s unbeaten Test record at the Gaddafi Stadium in the past four years and underscored their strength on turning tracks, where Noman and Sajid have repeatedly delivered.
“Every time we play here, we feel confident that our spinners can control the game,” captain Shan Masood said after the match. “Noman’s consistency and Shaheen’s finishing touch made the difference.”
For South Africa, the defeat brought an end to a remarkable run of 10 consecutive Test wins, dating back to 2023. While their batting showed flashes of resistance, Pakistan’s relentless attack and tactical discipline proved decisive.
