Pakistan Ends South Africa’s 10-Match Winning Streak by 93-Run Victory Test

Pakistan ended South Africa’s incredible run of ten matches without defeat in Test cricket when they fought back to win the first Test match of the series in Lahore by 93 runs. This was a statement performance from the home side who showed the ideal combination of patience, tactics, and skill to defeat one of the strongest teams in world cricket. The result meant that Pakistan not only returned to red ball cricket, but more importantly, it demonstrated to the rest of the cricket world that they are as strong as simply unbeatable on their home turf against all competition, particularly on turning pitches.

Prior to the Test match, South Africa came into the game with confidence, having just completed 10 matches without a loss, having just beaten and defeated some of the best teams in test cricket, and shown quality and consistency in their performances in different venues and conditions. Pakistan, on the other hand, were looking for stability and consistency after their own inconsistent performances in the Test format. So when Pakistan’s captain won the toss and chose to bat first, it showed intent and belief they could be controlling the game from the outset. The pitch in Lahore looked dry with visible cracks, meaning it would assist spinners as the match wore on, and Pakistan knew it had to make use of the new surface.

Batting first, Pakistan’s top-order batsmen responded well. Imam-ul-Haq, in his comeback Test, played a classy and confident innings of 93 runs, falling just short of a well-deserved century. His partnership with Shan Masood, who added 76, provided Pakistan with a strong platform. Mohammad Rizwan continued his reliable form with an unbeaten 62 and then Salman Ali Agha chipped in with a tough 52 not out. At the end of Day 1, Pakistan were at 313 for 5, thoroughly on top. The partnerships in the top and middle order showed discipline and maturity, which has not always been present in recent times.

The match was a huge turning point for Pakistan when their spinners were called into the game. Left-arm spinner Noman Ali produced one of the finest all-round performances of his career, taking ten wickets in the match. Using a clever variation of flight, turn and bounce, he constantly had the South African batters guessing throughout both innings. Sajid Khan bowled well from the other end, applying further pressure with his tight lines. Collectively, they exposed South Africa’s long-standing weakness against spin and as a result caused repeated errors and poor shot selections from the visitors.

While South Africa’s batting unit are typically comfortable against pace, they found the slower, turning conditions difficult to navigate. Aiden Markram and Dewald Brevis put up a spirited attempt to make a stand, but no one was able to convert a good start into a match-saving contribution. Brevis scored a resilient 54 runs, making him the highest scorer in South Africa’s fourth innings, but his bowled dismissal, through the gate, by Noman Ali epitomized South Africa’s struggles. From then on, it was all Pakistan as South Africa continued to crumble in the face of relentless pressure and were bowled out for a meager 183 runs, giving Pakistan a 93-run victory.

Pakistan’s second innings wasn’t huge, but it was well thought out. Whether or not simply due to the condition of the pitch deteriorating, Pakistan scored 167 runs, setting South Africa a target of 277 runs. The framework of the innings was clever, batting just long enough to give South Africa every chance of winning, with as the pitch deteriorated, we knew they would have to chase in the very tough batting conditions. The bowlers executed the plan. Shaheen Afridi and Hasan Ali made early inroads getting on top using machinery and reverse swing and Noman Ali took over his marvelous spin bowling. The captain’s every instruction seemed calculated and each bowler was doing a good job.

The meaning of the victory went beyond the numbers; it meant something significant for Pakistan. It broke one of the strongest unbeaten streaks in Test cricket and improved their standing in the World Test Championship rankings. Most importantly, it re-ignited some belief that Pakistan could perform well at home. For Noman Ali, it was igniting a career-defining performance and for Imam-ul-Haq, it was a timely example of why he is regarded as a quality opener. The body language of the team oozed belief, unity, and focus, something that had been lacking in previous series.

For South Africa, it was a wakeup call. Once again, their weakness against spin bowling and over-reliance on pace bowling, both tactical and selection, were exposed. On the back of a great recent record, it reinforces that adaptation is a key factor in Test cricket. The Proteas will need to regroup quickly – potentially looking at how to improve their spin department, considering how they bat against spin, and prepare better batting plans to cater for subcontinent conditions ahead of the next Test.

Pakistan’s win was hailed by experts, fans, and journalists as one of their most complete performances in Test cricket in the recent past; it wasn’t an individual performance but a collective effort with contributions throughout the innings. It balanced elegance, with Imam at the crease, to the skill Noman showed with the ball. The team executed their plan for their batting and bowling with balance and intent. Their victory not only saw South Africa’s 10-match winning streak broken but also sent an encumbering message to the rest of the cricketing world that Pakistan’s Test team is starting to return to its best.

This 93-run win will long be remembered as one of the proudest moments for Pakistan cricket. A triumph, that encapsulated vindication, plan and teamwork. On a surface that demanded skill and temerity – both were on show from the Pakistan players. After ending South Africa’s winning run, in a multi-national format, they didn’t just win a Test, they retrieved their own identity as one of the most diffusive yet imposing teams in world cricket.