Noman and Afridi Shine in Dominant First Test Victory Against South Africa
Noman Ali and Shaheen Afridi delivered exceptional performances in the first Test match, leading Pakistan to a dominant 93-run victory over South Africa. This match took place at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Noman and Afridi’s Outstanding Bowling Performance
Both bowlers were instrumental in dismissing the World Test Championship winners. Noman Ali claimed four wickets, taking his match total to ten, with figures of 10-191. Afridi also achieved four wickets, finishing with impressive stats of 4-33 on the fourth day of the match.
South Africa’s Struggle to Chase
Chasing a target of 226 runs proved daunting for South Africa. Early dismissals set the tone for their innings, with Tony de Zorzi scoring just 16 runs and Tristan Stubbs contributing only two runs before they were out within four overs.
- Dewald Brevis scored 54 runs off 54 balls, briefly providing hope for the Proteas.
- Ryan Rickelton added 45 runs before South Africa lost momentum in the first session.
- Noman Ali’s dismissal of Brevis left South Africa needing 139 runs by lunch.
Despite their initial efforts, South Africa could not recover. Afridi continued to dismantle their lower order, beginning with Senuran Muthusamy, who was caught lbw for six runs. Kyle Verreynne followed soon after, also bowled out by Sajid Khan.
Match Conclusion and Next Steps
As the match progressed, Afridi secured the wickets of Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada, sealing the victory for Pakistan. This win marks a significant moment for the team as they prepare for the upcoming second Test, scheduled to take place in Rawalpindi on October 20.
Noman’s performance stands out as a career highlight, achieving ten wickets in a Test match for the third time. His previous bests include 10-121 against the West Indies and 11-147 against England.
In summary, Pakistan’s triumph over South Africa sets a thrilling precedent for the ongoing Test series, showcasing the skills of both Noman Ali and Shaheen Afridi.
