Pakistan Kickstarts WTC 2025–27 With a Commanding Win Over South Africa in Lahore | 1st test match | full match review & analysis | usman on cricket
Pakistan made a roaring start to their ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign with an emphatic 93-run victory over South Africa in the first Test at Lahore’s Gaddafi Stadium.
It was a classic Test match that had everything — top-quality batting from Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha, dominant spells from spinners Noman Ali and Senuran Muthusamy, and a thrilling finish on Day 4 as Pakistan’s bowlers sealed the game in front of a passionate home crowd.
After a tough away season earlier this year, this win brings Pakistan much-needed momentum and confidence heading into the second and final Test of the series in Rawalpindi.
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Match Overview
| Match Details | 1st Test – Pakistan vs South Africa (WTC 2025–27) |
|---|---|
| Venue | Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore |
| Dates | 12–15 October 2025 |
| Toss | Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first |
| Result | Pakistan won by 93 runs |
| Series | Pakistan lead 2-match series 1–0 |
| Player of the Match | Noman Ali – for 10 wickets in the match |
Full Scorecard Summary
| Innings | Team | Score / Overs | Top Performers |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1st Innings | Pakistan | 378 all out (110.4) | Imam-ul-Haq 93, Salman Agha 93, Rizwan 75 |
| 1st Innings | South Africa | 269 all out (84.0) | Tony de Zorzi 104, Rickelton 71 |
| 2nd Innings | Pakistan | 167 all out (46.1) | Babar Azam 42 |
| 2nd Innings | South Africa | 183 all out (60.5) | Brevis 54, Rickelton 45 |
Final Result: Pakistan won by 93 runs
Key Performers
Pakistan Batting Highlights
- Imam-ul-Haq (93) and Shan Masood (76) gave Pakistan a solid platform.
- Mohammad Rizwan (75) and Salman Agha (93) built a crucial middle-order partnership.
- In the second innings, only Babar Azam (42) resisted as the team collapsed under spin pressure.
South Africa Batting Highlights
- Tony de Zorzi’s fighting century (104) anchored South Africa’s first innings.
- Ryan Rickelton (71 & 45) continued to impress with consistency.
- Dewald Brevis (54) played an attacking knock in the chase, but it wasn’t enough.
Bowling Breakdown
Pakistan Bowlers
- Noman Ali: 6/112 & 4/79 — 10 wickets in the match, showcasing superb control.
- Shaheen Afridi: 4/33 in the final innings — turned the game with pace and accuracy.
- Sajid Khan: Provided key support with tight spells on a spinning track.
South Africa Bowlers
- Senuran Muthusamy: 6/117 & 5/57 — 11 wickets in the match, an incredible effort.
- Rabada and Ngidi: Provided early breakthroughs but lacked support in the second innings.
Pitch and Conditions Analysis
The Lahore surface proved to be a typical subcontinental pitch that rewarded patience and spin mastery.
- Day 1–2: Good for batting; Pakistan capitalized early.
- Day 3–4: Significant turn and variable bounce made scoring difficult.
- Spinners ruled: Noman Ali and Muthusamy extracted sharp turn and bounce.
- Fast bowlers’ role: Reverse swing and low bounce assisted Shaheen and Rabada.
This Test underlined that Lahore remains a spinner’s paradise as both teams combined for 37 wickets taken by spin.
Turning Points of the Match
- Imam–Salman partnership: Set the tone with patient, classy batting in the first innings.
- de Zorzi’s century: Brought South Africa back into the contest before Noman’s strikes.
- Pakistan’s second-innings collapse: Gave South Africa hope chasing 277.
- Shaheen’s late burst: Crushed South Africa’s lower order and sealed victory for Pakistan.
Tactical Insights
- Pakistan’s Plan: Bat first, post over 350, and let their spinners dictate the game — executed perfectly.
- South Africa’s Approach: Relied heavily on Muthusamy’s spin, but inconsistent batting cost them.
- Captaincy: Shan Masood’s proactive field placements and timely bowling changes paid off.
- Fielding: Pakistan’s slip cordon and close-in catchers were sharp; South Africa dropped key chances.
WTC 2025–27 Context
This win earns Pakistan 12 vital WTC points, placing them among the early leaders in the table.
| Team | Matches | Wins | Losses | Points |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Pakistan | 1 | 1 | 0 | 12 |
| South Africa | 1 | 0 | 1 | 0 |
South Africa, the reigning WTC champions, will be concerned after this defeat. Their middle-order fragility and struggles against spin could haunt them in Asian conditions.
Pakistan, on the other hand, look strong at home, with spinners firing and batters adapting well.
Next Test Match Schedule
| Match | Venue | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 2nd Test – Pakistan vs South Africa | Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium | 20–24 October 2025 |
The second Test in Rawalpindi promises to be a fascinating contest — South Africa will fight to level the series, while Pakistan will aim for a clean sweep and strengthen their WTC position.
Expert Analysis
Cricket experts praised Pakistan’s approach in this match
“Pakistan’s control on the fourth day was world-class — Noman and Shaheen worked in tandem beautifully,” said former captain Ramiz Raja on local commentary.
This victory also adds to Pakistan’s growing confidence in Test cricket at home — a positive sign as they prepare for a busy 2025–26 schedule including tours to Sri Lanka and Australia.
FAQs – Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test 2025
Who won the Pakistan vs South Africa 1st Test 2025?
Pakistan won the match by 93 runs in Lahore.
Who was the Player of the Match?
Noman Ali was awarded Player of the Match for his 10-wicket haul.
What was the turning point of the game?
Shaheen Afridi’s spell on Day 4, combined with Noman Ali’s spin magic, sealed Pakistan’s victory.
How many WTC points did Pakistan earn?
Pakistan earned 12 points for the win.
Who scored the most runs in the match?
Tony de Zorzi (South Africa) topped with 104 runs in the first innings.
When and where is the next Test?
The 2nd Test begins on 20 October 2025 at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
How did Babar Azam perform?
Babar scored 42 in the second innings but couldn’t convert starts into a big score.
What’s next for Pakistan?
Pakistan aim to clinch the series 2–0 and strengthen their WTC campaign.
Conclusion
Pakistan’s thrilling victory over South Africa in Lahore marks a confident beginning to their World Test Championship 2025–27 journey. With Noman Ali’s magical spin and Shaheen’s decisive pace, the Men in Green have shown that home conditions remain their fortress.
As the action shifts to Rawalpindi, all eyes will be on whether Pakistan can maintain their winning momentum or if South Africa bounce back to level the series.
Who’s your pick for the next Test — Pakistan or South Africa? Drop your prediction below!
