PAK vs SA 2025, 1st Test Day 4 Review: Noman, Shaheen shine as Pakistan go 1-0 up

Published - 15 Oct 2025, 15:24 IST | Updated - 15 Oct 2025, 15:24 IST

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs on Day 4 of the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore to take a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.

The Proteas were always behind the eight-ball after conceding a first-innings lead of 109 runs. Having been set a target of 277, the tourists started Day 4 at 51/2, with Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton at the crease.

However, de Zorzi, the centurion in the first innings, was dismissed off the third ball of the over, bowled by Shaheen Afridi. The ball kept low and rapped the southpaw on his pads. This was always going to be a tough ball to negotiate on a crumbling pitch.

Tristan Stubbs got out peculiarly as he tried the reverse sweep and sent an edge to first slip, where Salman Agha took the catch without any fuss. South Africa were in dire straits at this stage, slumping to 55/4 well within an hour of play on Day 4.

However, Dewald Brevis took the attack to the Pakistani bowlers and scored some quick runs to give South Africa a sliver of hope. Rickelton dropped anchor from the other end, as the duo stitched a 73-run stand off 98 balls. Brevis hit six fours and two sixes in his knock before being dismissed by a peach of a delivery from Noman Ali. He made a swashbuckling 54 off as many balls.

Rickelton's resolute knock was ended by Sajid Khan, who had him caught at first slip. Agha took a wonderful catch diving forward to dismiss the set batter.

Kyle Verreynne tried to take South Africa closer to the target with the tailenders for company. However, the crumbling pitch didn't allow him to play aggressive strokes. Senuran Muthusamy departed cheaply before Verreynne and Simon Harmer tried to take their team towards the target.

However, the South African wicketkeeper departed for a 48-ball 19, leaving the hosts on the brink of a thumping win. Shaheen dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to end South Africa's innings, as Harmer remained not out for the second time in the Test match. The visitors were bowled out for 183 in 60.5 overs.

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Shaheen finished with excellent figures of 4/33 in 8.5 overs. On the other hand, Noman bagged four wickets for 79 runs in 28 overs, adding to his six-for in the first innings.