World champions South Africa’s unbeaten streak was broken by Pakistan. Having gone on a 10-match winning run in Test cricket, South Africa were defeated by 93 runs against Pakistan.
Starting the day on 51-2, South Africa suffered an early blow when left-arm pacer Shaheen Afridi trapped first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw (leg before wicket) with the third ball of the morning. From that moment on, the momentum shifted firmly in Pakistan’s favor.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali (who took a match total of 10-191) dismissed Tristan Stubbs for just two runs and bowled a defiant Dewald Brevis — who scored a quick 54 — to deliver the decisive blows that sealed the victory.
This match, which was the first of the 2025–2027 Test Championship cycle for both teams, placed Pakistan second in the standings behind Australia. The second and final Test will begin on October 20.
First Test, Lahore (day four)
Pakistan 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar 42; Muthusamy 5-57)
South Africa 269 (De Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Brevis 54; Shaheen 4-33, Noman 4-79)
Pakistan won by 93 runs