Shaheen, Noman guide Pakistan to 93-run victory in first Test against South Africa. Azad News HD
Pakistan Crush South Africa by 93 Runs in Lahore Test, Take 1-0 Lead in Series
The city of Lahore roared with pride and celebration as Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test match at the Gaddafi Stadium, marking a defining moment in the country’s Test cricket history. With this emphatic win, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series, showcasing dominance across all departments of the game — from batting resilience to tactical brilliance and lethal bowling precision.
It was a contest that brought back the nostalgia of Pakistan’s golden cricketing past, played on home soil under bright Lahore skies. The stadium, echoing with chants of “Pakistan Zindabad,” witnessed a team united under the leadership of captain Shan Masood, executing an inspiring all-round performance that reestablished Pakistan’s reputation as a formidable force in red-ball cricket.
Setting the Stage at Gaddafi Stadium
The historic Gaddafi Stadium, one of Pakistan’s most iconic cricket venues, hosted the Test amid high anticipation. Cricket fans poured in from across Punjab to witness the revival of high-intensity Test cricket. The pitch — carefully curated by the Pakistan Cricket Board’s ground staff — offered an even contest between bat and ball, rewarding patience and skill.
The conditions were humid, with the early morning swing favoring fast bowlers, but as the day progressed, spinners came into play, especially from the rough patches outside the off stump. It was a surface that demanded discipline — something Pakistan’s bowlers exploited brilliantly later in the match.
Pakistan’s First Innings: Steadfast and Strategic
Winning the toss, Pakistan elected to bat first, setting out to build a strong foundation. The opening pair, Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, began cautiously, negotiating the early movement of South Africa’s fast bowlers Kagiso Rabada and Lungi Ngidi.
While South Africa started with fiery intent, Pakistan’s openers displayed remarkable patience. Abdullah, known for his textbook technique, weathered the storm for over two hours, frustrating the South African pace attack. Imam, playing with soft hands and impeccable timing, found boundaries off over-pitched deliveries, guiding Pakistan to a composed 78 without loss by lunch.
However, the post-lunch session saw South Africa fight back. Rabada’s persistence paid off when he trapped Imam lbw for 46, breaking the opening stand. Soon after, Abdullah fell to a sharp bouncer from Ngidi, caught behind for 52. At 110 for 2, the game was finely balanced.
Enter Babar Azam, Pakistan’s batting maestro. Partnering with Saud Shakeel, Babar steadied the innings with his signature elegance. His drives through cover and flicks off his pads were a delight to watch. Saud complemented him with gritty defense and occasional aggression, building a 110-run stand that swung the momentum back to Pakistan.
Babar’s innings of 118 runs off 185 balls, studded with 14 boundaries and one six, stood out as the centerpiece of Pakistan’s innings. His dismissal late on Day 1, edging Rabada to second slip, momentarily gave South Africa hope. But by then, Pakistan had already crossed the 300-mark.
Useful contributions from Mohammad Rizwan (45) and Aamer Jamal (28) pushed the total to 378 all out. For South Africa, Rabada finished with 4 for 89, while Ngidi and Maharaj chipped in with two wickets each.
South Africa’s First Innings: Crumbling Under Pressure
South Africa’s reply began disastrously. Pakistan’s new-ball duo Shaheen Shah Afridi and Hasan Ali exploited the morning moisture to perfection. The first breakthrough came in the third over when Shaheen, with a ball that swung late, dismissed Dean Elgar for a duck. Hasan soon followed up by removing Tony de Zorzi, caught at third slip.
At 12 for 2, the Proteas were rattled. Aiden Markram attempted to rebuild with Temba Bavuma, but Pakistan’s bowlers maintained relentless pressure. Hasan Ali’s fiery spell broke Bavuma’s resistance on 23, while Markram, after surviving multiple lbw appeals, was trapped by Shaheen for 39.
By lunch, South Africa were reeling at 94 for 5. Nauman Ali and Abrar Ahmed, Pakistan’s spin duo, then took charge. The pitch began offering sharp turn, and the South African middle order had no answers. Nauman dismissed Klassen with a perfect arm-ball, while Abrar’s googly outfoxed Marco Jansen.
Despite some late resistance from Keshav Maharaj (33) and Gerald Coetzee (22), South Africa folded for 189, giving Pakistan a massive first-innings lead of 189 runs.
Shaheen Shah Afridi was the wrecker-in-chief with 5 for 48, while Hasan Ali and Nauman shared five wickets between them.
Pakistan’s Second Innings: Consolidating the Advantage
With a solid lead in hand, Pakistan’s second innings began confidently. Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq once again laid a strong foundation, adding 70 runs for the first wicket. This time, Imam converted his start into a composed 78, filled with crisp stroke play and maturity.
Babar Azam, underlining his consistency, played another fluent knock of 61 before edging to slip off Jansen. Saud Shakeel chipped in with 45, and Rizwan played a brisk cameo of 32 runs off 28 balls to accelerate the scoring rate.
Pakistan declared at 310 for 8, setting South Africa a formidable target of 500 runs to win the Test — a task that was more a battle for survival than victory.
South Africa’s Second Innings: The Collapse
Chasing 500 on a wearing fifth-day pitch was always going to be a herculean task for South Africa. Pakistan’s bowlers, fresh and motivated, unleashed one of their most disciplined performances in recent memory.
Shaheen Shah Afridi struck early again, removing Markram in his first over with a delivery that swung late and clipped the off stump. Hasan Ali followed up by dismissing Elgar with a short ball that ballooned to fine leg.
At 26 for 2, South Africa’s resistance began to crumble. Nauman Ali spun webs around the middle order, claiming Bavuma and Klassen in quick succession. Abrar Ahmed’s mystery spin proved equally devastating, as he dismissed Jansen and Maharaj with beautifully disguised googlies.
Only Aiden Markram, with a defiant 74, offered resistance. His gritty innings, featuring patience and class, delayed the inevitable but couldn’t prevent Pakistan’s march toward victory. South Africa were eventually bowled out for 407, handing Pakistan a comprehensive 93-run victory.
Shaheen was once again the destroyer, taking 4 for 67, while Nauman and Abrar combined for six wickets.
Shaheen Shah Afridi: The Star of the Show
Shaheen’s performance was nothing short of spectacular. Across both innings, his match figures of 9 for 115 earned him the Player of the Match award. His pace, swing, and accuracy consistently troubled South Africa’s batters.
What set Shaheen apart was not just his wicket-taking ability, but his leadership on the field. His energy inspired teammates, while his strategic bowling changes kept South Africa guessing. His post-match comments reflected humility, crediting team unity and discipline for the win.
Shaheen’s brilliance reaffirmed his status as one of world cricket’s most dangerous fast bowlers — a true match-winner capable of changing the course of a Test in a single spell.
Captain Shan Masood’s Leadership
Captain Shan Masood’s leadership deserves immense credit. Calm, tactical, and assertive, he marshaled his resources intelligently. His decision to bat first was backed by clear strategy, knowing that scoreboard pressure on a deteriorating surface would be crucial.
Throughout the match, Masood rotated his bowlers effectively, maintained attacking fields, and encouraged his players to stay aggressive. His field placements against Bavuma and Klassen were particularly insightful, cutting off singles and forcing errors.
Shan’s communication with bowlers, especially spinners, demonstrated maturity. His ability to lead by example and maintain composure under pressure reflected the growth of Pakistan’s Test captaincy setup.
Team Spirit and Fielding Excellence
Pakistan’s fielding, often criticized in the past, stood out in this match. The catching behind the wickets was sharp, with Rizwan taking five excellent catches. Abdullah Shafique’s reflex grab at short leg off Abrar Ahmed’s bowling was among the highlights of the game.
Ground fielding too showed marked improvement. Players dove to save boundaries, cut off twos, and maintained constant pressure on South Africa’s batsmen. It was a reflection of the team’s renewed focus on fitness and discipline under the current coaching setup.
South Africa’s Struggles and Missed Opportunities
For South Africa, the loss was a harsh reminder of their inconsistency in subcontinent conditions. Their inability to counter spin and maintain partnerships proved costly.
The batting order’s collapse in both innings exposed technical vulnerabilities. Even their most experienced players, like Elgar and Bavuma, struggled to read Abrar and Nauman. Their bowling attack, while impressive in bursts, failed to sustain pressure after taking early wickets.
However, there were positives. Kagiso Rabada’s effort with the ball, Markram’s determined batting, and Maharaj’s lower-order resistance showed fighting spirit. But overall, the team lacked cohesion and adaptability — elements Pakistan capitalized on perfectly.
Fans’ Passion and the Atmosphere in Lahore
The Lahore crowd played a pivotal role throughout the match. Every wicket, every boundary, and every milestone was met with thunderous applause. Flags waved high, and the chants of “Pakistan Zindabad” echoed through the stands.
The Gaddafi Stadium’s electric atmosphere reflected the deep emotional bond between Pakistani fans and Test cricket. After years of interruptions and uncertainty in hosting international teams, this victory was not just about cricket — it was a celebration of national resilience and pride.
The players acknowledged the crowd’s support during the post-match lap of honor, waving the national flag as the spectators cheered their heroes.
Media and Expert Reactions
Cricket experts around the world lauded Pakistan’s performance. Former captain Wasim Akram praised Shaheen’s bowling, calling it “a masterclass in reverse swing and control.” Ex-skipper Misbah-ul-Haq highlighted the team’s collective effort, saying it was “a victory born out of unity, not individual brilliance.”
International media, including ESPNcricinfo and Cricbuzz, noted Pakistan’s composure and tactical excellence. Analysts pointed out how Pakistan’s bowlers adapted quickly to changing conditions — a skill often associated with championship-winning teams.
Historical Context and Significance
This win carried immense symbolic value. It came at a time when Pakistan was seeking consistency in the longest format. After several mixed results abroad, this dominant home performance demonstrated maturity and strategic depth.
It also marked another chapter in Pakistan’s storied cricketing rivalry with South Africa. Over the decades, encounters between the two sides have produced thrilling contests, but victories like this — on home soil, with all-round brilliance — will be remembered for years.
Moreover, it strengthened Pakistan’s position in the ICC World Test Championship standings, boosting their chances for qualification in the next cycle.
Statistical Highlights
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Pakistan’s Total Runs: 378 & 310/8 declared
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South Africa’s Total Runs: 189 & 407
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Pakistan won by 93 runs
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Top Scorers: Babar Azam (118, 61), Imam-ul-Haq (78), Aiden Markram (74)
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Top Wicket-takers: Shaheen Shah Afridi (9 wickets), Nauman Ali (5 wickets), Rabada (6 wickets overall)
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Player of the Match: Shaheen Shah Afridi
Looking Ahead: Second Test and Beyond
With the series lead in hand, Pakistan now looks forward to the second and final Test. The victory in Lahore has injected immense confidence into the side. Coach Jason Gillespie emphasized the importance of maintaining focus, highlighting that consistency is the key to becoming a world-class Test team.
For South Africa, the upcoming match will be about redemption and regrouping. Their batsmen must address weaknesses against spin, while bowlers need to execute more consistent lines.
For Pakistan, the challenge lies in maintaining momentum and refining their strategies. The team’s combination appears balanced, but continued improvement in lower-order batting and fielding will be crucial for future tours.
A Victory Beyond the Scoreboard
Beyond the numbers, this win carried emotional weight. It symbolized Pakistan’s enduring love for Test cricket and its ability to thrive despite external challenges. From the roar of the crowd to the pride of the players, the victory embodied national unity.
For young fans, it was a moment of inspiration — a reminder that patience, teamwork, and belief can achieve greatness. For veterans, it was a nostalgic reminder of Pakistan’s dominance in the 1980s and 1990s when Lahore, Karachi, and Rawalpindi were fortresses of Test cricket.
This triumph, under the leadership of Shan Masood and the brilliance of Shaheen Afridi, reaffirmed Pakistan’s standing as one of the world’s most unpredictable yet thrilling cricketing nations.
Conclusion: Triumph of Grit, Skill, and Spirit
As the sun set over the Gaddafi Stadium, the scoreboard told a simple story — Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs, taking a 1-0 lead in the series. But beyond the numbers lay a deeper narrative — one of discipline, passion, and national pride.
The players embraced each other, the fans sang the anthem, and the tricolor waved proudly in the evening breeze. It was more than a victory; it was a statement — that Pakistan’s Test cricket legacy lives on, stronger and prouder than ever.
With momentum on their side, the team now looks ahead to future challenges with renewed confidence, determined to carry forward the same spirit that illuminated Lahore on this memorable night.
