Pakistan Halts the Proteas' 10-Test Victory Run.

Cricket match action

The left-arm pacer secured a quartet of wickets in the second innings following going wicketless in the initial session.

Opening Test, Lahore (the fourth day)

The home side 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar Azam 42; the spinner 5-57)

South Africa 269 (De Zorzi 104; Noman Ali 6-112) & 183 (Brevis 54; Shaheen 4-33, Noman 4-79)

The hosts secured a 93-run victory

Pakistan brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by sealing a 93-run win in an thrilling and competitive opening Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, who had a 10-Test winning streak in the longest format ended with a win against the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 chasing 277.

Starting the day on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favor.

Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who secured 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also capitalized on sharp turn to end opening batsman Ryan Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to dismiss the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He had Kyle Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts straight into the number two spot after table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was founded on key performances of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they had in their Test series win over England the previous year, to maintain their lead.

The next and last match starts on October 20.

James Pruitt
James Pruitt

A passionate journalist and blogger with a focus on Central European affairs, dedicated to uncovering and sharing compelling narratives.