Pakistan down Proteas by 93 runs to score victory in first Test

By Muhammad Ali

LAHORE: Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs on the fourth day of the first Test to go 1-0 up in the two-match series at Gaddafi Stadium here on Wednesday.  Set a daunting 277-run target for victory, the visitors and World Test champions were bowled out for 183 on day four. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali completed a 10-wicket haul and seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi took the last three wickets as South Africa, who were 51-2 overnight, were dismissed in the middle session. Man of the match Noman finished with 4-79 and 10-191 in the match for his third haul of ten wickets or more in Tests. The slow and deteriorating wicket proved far too testing for the tourists although Dewald Brevis offered them hope as he bludgeoned a quick-fire half century. South Africa were always going to be up against it when Tony de Zorzi, who scored a century in the first innings, was trapped leg before wicket by Shaheen in the first over of the morning, as they chased a target of 277 to extend a 10-Test winning streak. It was a rare wicket for a seamer in a contest where neither side used them much, such was the spin-friendly condition of the turning wicket, although Shaheen returned to secure victory for his team. Tristan Stubbs lasted only eight balls before a viciously turning delivery from Noman deceived him, bringing Brevis to the wicket. The 22-year-old already has a reputation in limited overs cricket for his expansive hitting and did not temper his approach in his third Test appearance.

He made up for his first ball dismissal in the first innings with 54 runs off as many balls as he put the pressure back onto the Pakistan bowlers and offered South Africa the brief potential of an unlikely win. Together with Ryan Rickelton they put on a 73-run partnership, but Noman had the last laugh with a turning delivery that clean bowled Brevis. Rickelton then got a leading edge to Sajid’s turning ball to depart for 45, leaving the tourists 137-6 at lunch. The last four wickets fell without much resistance with Afridi given another spell to wrap up the tail and return figures of 4-33.

“We built enough margins where we could have the upper hand and I’m glad we finished it off,” said Pakistan captain Shan Masood. Defeat for South Africa marked a losing start to the defence of their World Test Championship crown at the beginning of a new two-year cycle. “There was some good stuff over the few days that we played, I thought, really good signs, I suppose, bat and ball. So we have a bit to take out, bit to learn as well, and clean up our space for the next game,” said South Africa captain Aiden Markram. Next week’s second Test will be played in Rawalpindi. In all, spinners from both sides took 34 wickets, with just six going to fast bowlers. South African left-armer Senuran Muthusamy took 11-174 in the match. Pakistan made 378 in their first innings, with South Africa scoring 269 in reply. Pakistan Cricket Board chairman Mohsin Naqvi congratulated the team on their win — which he said was a result of teamwork — and hoped for the team’s continued success in the second Test.

Brief scores:

Pakistan 378 and 167 (Babar 42, Muthusamy 5-57, Harmer 4-51) beat South Africa 269 and 183 (Brevis 54, Rickelton 45, Afridi 4-33, Noman 4-79) by 93 runs.