Cricket: Pakistan break world champions South Africa’s 10–match Test win streak in Lahore
Noman Ali leads Pakistan to stunning victory over the Proteas
While Pakistan have endured disappointment in limited-over competitions in recent times, most notably in the ICC Champions Trophy last year and the 2025 Asia Cup, the team gave their fans a reason to cheer this week when they overcame South Africa by 93 runs in Lahore in the first of their two Tests.
The Proteas entered the contest as firm favourites with the best online betting sites and riding high on a 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format, a period during which they had defeated Australia to win the World Test Championship in June at the Home of Cricket, Lord's.
However, on a crusty pitch that favoured spin at the Gaddafi Stadium, the Shaheens produced an excellent effort, led by left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who proved to be unplayable at times and finished the match with stunning figures of 10/191.
With the bat, skipper Salman Ali Agha and Imam-ul-Haq played key roles, scoring 93 runs apiece in the first innings to set a target of 378, which gave their side a 109-run lead after bowling out the Proteas for 269.
As the pitch deteriorated and became tougher to score on, the Men in Green looked to be in trouble after only managing 167 all out in the second innings, but Ali and Shaheen Afridi stepped up, bagging eight wickets combined to dismiss the world champs for 183 on Day 5.
That result marked Pakistan’s first Test victory since January against the West Indies and guaranteed that they will not lose this series. The second Test between these sides will get underway on October 20 at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Senuran Muthusamy etches name in SA bowling history
While South Africa’s performance against Pakistan in Lahore was well below expectations, one player that could not be faulted for his effort was Senuran Muthusamy, who joined an elite group of Proteas bowlers to achieve a remarkable feat.
The 31-year-old spinner, who was brought into the team in place of the injured Keshav Maharaj, was the backbone of the world champs’ bowling unit, and picked up an incredible 6/117 in the first innings before bagging 5/57 in the second to finish with figures of 11/174.
Muthusamy’s effort has earned him fourth place among South African spin bowlers to claim 10+ wickets in a Test match, only behind Hugh Tayfield (13/165 and 13/192) and Keshav Maharaj’s 12/283 against Sri Lanka in Colombo in 2018.
Additionally, Muthusamy became the first visiting bowler in history to take 11 wickets in Lahore, surpassing West Indies’ Andy Roberts (9/187) and the legendary Shane Warne (9/240).
