Noman Propels Pakistan to Verge of Historic First Test Victory Over South Africa
Pakistan achieved a remarkable victory against South Africa, edging closer to a historic first Test win thanks to the exceptional performance of Noman. Set with a challenging target of 277 runs, South Africa was bowled out for just 183 on the fourth day of the Test match.
Noman’s Outstanding Performance
Noman was named Man of the Match for his impressive bowling figures of 4 wickets for 79 runs and a total of 10 for 191 in the match. This accomplishment marks his third occasion of capturing ten wickets or more in a Test.
Match Summary
- Pakistan’s First Innings: 378 runs
- South Africa’s First Innings: 269 runs
- Pakistan’s Second Innings: 167 runs
- Target for South Africa: 277 runs
- South Africa’s Second Innings: 183 runs
The match took place at the Gaddafi Stadium, where the pitch conditions significantly favored spin bowlers. Despite a resilient 73-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton in the morning session, South Africa struggled to cope with the deteriorating surface.
Key Moments
Brevis showcased his fighting spirit with a career-best score of 54, hitting six fours and two sixes. However, Noman’s sharply turning delivery ultimately dismissed him. Rickelton also put up a strong fight, contributing 45 runs before being caught out just before lunch.
As the match progressed, South Africa found themselves in dire straits, struggling at 137-6 at lunch. Fast bowler Shaheen Shah Afridi was instrumental in the collapse, claiming three key wickets, including that of Kagiso Rabada for a duck, finishing with figures of 4 for 33.
Spinners’ Dominance
Throughout the match, spinners dominated the bowling performance, taking a total of 34 wickets, with only six being claimed by fast bowlers. South Africa’s Senuran Muthusamy also fared well, recording match figures of 11 wickets for 174 runs.
Looking Ahead
This victory provides Pakistan with an excellent start to the World Test Championship, especially considering their last-place finish in the previous edition. The second and final Test is scheduled to begin in Rawalpindi next Monday.
