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South Africa

Pakistan defeat South Africa by 93 runs in Lahore Test

by
Pakistan

LAHORE: Pakistan clinched a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, taking a 1–0 lead in the two-match series.

Resuming on the fourth day with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi at the crease, South Africa’s hopes of a chase were dashed early when de Zorzi fell to Shaheen Shah Afridi without adding to his overnight score.

Spinner Nauman Ali then dismissed Tristan Stubbs and David Bedingham in quick succession, while Sajid Khan removed set batter Ryan Rickelton for 45.

Afridi continued his fine form, accounting for Verreynne and Subrayen, before Sajid Khan wrapped up the innings by taking Muthusamy’s wicket, sealing Pakistan’s victory.

South Africa

Earlier, South Africa were bowled out for 269 in their first innings before lunch on day three, replying to Pakistan’s 378. Pakistan then managed 167 in their second innings, setting the visitors a target of 277 runs.

By the close of the third day, South Africa had reached 51 for 2, with captain Aiden Markram (3) and Wiaan Mulder (0) already dismissed — paving the way for Pakistan’s bowlers to finish the job on day four.

South Africa bowled out for 269, Pakistan gain 109-run lead

by
South Africa

LAHORE: South Africa were dismissed for 269 in their first innings of the Lahore Test, giving Pakistan a commanding 109-run lead heading into the second innings.

Resuming on the third day at 216 for six in reply to Pakistan’s 378, the visitors lost their remaining wickets in the morning session.

 Tony de Zorzi, who started the day unbeaten on 81, completed a well-made 104 before being caught by Shaheen Afridi off Nauman Ali. Senuran Muthusamy, who resumed on 6, added only five more runs before falling to Sajid Khan for 11.

Kagiso Rabada was dismissed without scoring, also by Sajid Khan. Pakistan’s spinners dominated the innings, with Nauman Ali claiming six wickets, Sajid Khan taking three, and Salman Ali Agha picking up one.

Earlier, Pakistan had posted 378 in their first innings, with key contributions from Imam-ul-Haq (93), Salman Ali Agha (93), Shan Masood (76), and Mohammad Rizwan (75).

Pakistan post 378 before being dismissed on second day in Lahore

by
Pakistan

LAHORE: Despite a promising start from the middle order, Pakistan were bowled out for 378 in their first innings as South Africa fought back on the second day of the first Test in Lahore..

Resuming their overnight score of 313 for five, Pakistan began the day with Mohammad Rizwan unbeaten on 62 and Salman Ali Agha on 52. The pair added valuable runs before Rizwan was dismissed for 75 with the total at 362.

In the same over, Nauman Ali and Sajid Khan were both sent back to the pavilion without scoring, as Senuran Muthusamy claimed all three wickets in quick succession to restrict Pakistan’s lower order.

Salman Ali Agha naros fell to the nineties and was dismissed for 93 while Shaheen Shah Afridi was dismissed for 7 runs.

South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamytook six wickets while Prenelan Subrayen took two wickets. Kagiso Rabada and Simon Harmer took one wicket each.

Pakistan announces Playing XI for first Test against South Africa

by
Pakistan announces

LAHORE: Pakistan, under the leadership of Shan Masood, will take on defending champions South Africa in a two-match Test series as part of the fourth cycle of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–27.

The first Test begins on Sunday at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, where Pakistan is expected to field seven batters, two fast bowlers, and two spinners.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan has been ruled out due to viral fever and will be replaced by Asif Afridi, who earns a place in the playing XI. The 38-year-old left-arm spinner has taken 198 wickets in 57 first-class matches at an average of 25.49. Asif will partner with experienced spinner Nauman Ali in Pakistan’s bowling attack.

The 39-year-old Nauman Ali has claimed 83 wickets in 19 Tests at an average of 24.75. In fast bowling, Shaheen Shah Afridi makes his return to Test cricket after a year-long absence.

The left-arm pacer, who has taken 116 wickets in 31 Tests, will share the new ball with Hasan Ali. Hasan, a right-arm fast bowler with 80 wickets in 24 Tests, last played a Test in January 2024 against Australia in Sydney.

Pakistan’s opening pair will feature Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique, while Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and Salman Ali Agha will strengthen the middle order. Mohammad Rizwan will keep wickets.

Pakistan’s Playing XI for the first Test:

Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafique, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wicketkeeper), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, and Asif Afridi.