Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test match played in Lahore. With this victory, Pakistan took a 1-0 lead over South Africa in the two-Test series. Pakistani spinner Noman Ali bowled brilliantly, taking a total of 10 wickets in the Test match. Noman Ali achieved the third ten-wicket haul of his Test career. Pakistan had set South Africa a target of 277 runs, after which the African team was all out for 183 in the second innings.
Noman, who took six wickets for 112 runs in the first innings, took four wickets for 79 runs in the second innings. He bowled 28 consecutive overs. Shaheen Shah Afridi destroyed the lower order and took four wickets for 33 runs. South Africa started the day at 51 runs for two wickets. Trailing by 109 runs in the first innings, the visiting team had to struggle against the spinners in the second innings as well. Afridi had Tony Di Giorgi (16), who had scored a century in the first innings, LBW on the third ball of the day.
Pakistan posted a score of 378 in the first innings, after which South Africa could only manage 269. Pakistan had a 109-run lead in the first innings, and then scored 167 in their second innings, setting South Africa a target of 277 runs.
WTC Points Table:
Pakistan’s victory has caused a significant change in the World Test Championship points table. Pakistan, led by Shan Masood, played their first match in the current WTC cycle and with the win, they have moved up to second place in the points table. However, Pakistan’s victory has dealt a significant blow to India.
The Shubman Gill-led Indian team has slipped to fourth place in the WTC points table. India has played four Tests in seven matches, with four wins, two losses, and one draw. India has 52 rating points and a win percentage of 61.90. Meanwhile, Pakistan has 12 points and a win percentage of 100.
Australia leads the rankings with 36 rating points and a win percentage of 100. Sri Lanka maintains its third spot. England completes the top five.
