Pakistan Spin to Victory with 93-Run Win Over South Africa in First Test

Pakistan secured a commanding 93-run victory over South Africa on the fourth day of the first Test in Karachi, taking the eight wickets needed on Wednesday to go 1–0 up in the two-match series.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali starred with a 10-wicket match haul, while seamer Shaheen Shah Afridi claimed the final three wickets as South Africa, resuming on 51–2, were bowled out for 183 in the middle session.

The deteriorating surface proved too much for the tourists, though Dewald Brevis briefly revived their hopes with a blistering half-century.

South Africa’s chase of 277 began to unravel almost immediately when first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi was trapped leg before by Afridi in the morning’s opening over — a rare success for pace in a match dominated by spin.

Tristan Stubbs lasted just eight balls before being undone by a vicious turner from Noman, bringing Brevis to the crease. The 22-year-old, already known for his aggressive stroke play in limited-overs cricket, counterattacked fearlessly, smashing 54 off 54 balls to give his side fleeting hope.

Brevis and Ryan Rickelton added 73 for the fifth wicket, but Noman struck again to bowl Brevis with another sharp-turning delivery. Rickelton followed soon after for 45, giving a leading edge to Sajid Khan as South Africa slumped to 137–6 at lunch.

The tail offered little resistance after the interval. Afridi returned to polish off the innings, finishing with 4–33, while Noman took 4–79 to complete figures of 10–158 in the match.

The defeat marked a disappointing start to South Africa’s World Test Championship title defence and ended their 10-Test winning streak. The second and final Test begins next week in Rawalpindi.