Noman Ali spins Pakistan to gripping Test victory over South Africa in Lahore
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali produced a match-winning performance as Pakistan sealed a 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test in Lahore on Wednesday.
Set 277 to win, the World Test champions were dismissed for 183 on day four, with Noman claiming 4-79 to complete match figures of 10-191 — his third ten-wicket haul in Test cricket. On a deteriorating Gaddafi Stadium surface offering sharp turn and uneven bounce, the 39-year-old thrived despite a resilient 73-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton.
Shaheen Shah Afridi supported with 4-33, wrapping up the tail after Sajid Khan removed Senuran Muthusamy for six. Earlier, Pakistan’s second-innings 167 had set South Africa a tricky target after the hosts led by 109 on first innings.
Captain Shan Masood praised his side’s execution, saying: “We won the Test match and it’s gone exactly to plan.”
The defeat ended South Africa’s run of ten consecutive Test victories. Skipper Aiden Markram admitted his side fell short, saying: “We probably could have scored a few more runs in the first innings but I am proud of the way we fought.”
The second and final Test begins Monday in Rawalpindi.
(Source: AFP)
