South Africa’s 10-Test winning streak ended with a defeat against Pakistan

With a decisive 93-run victory on a pivotal wicket in the opening Test on Wednesday, Pakistan snapped World Test cricket champion South Africa's 10-match winning streak. After lunch on Day 4, the Proteas were bowled out for 183, and left-arm spinner Noman Ali continued to thrive on taking home wickets with a superb match tally of 10-191.

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In his previous five home tests, Noman has taken 46 wickets, including 20 against England and 16 against the West Indies. South Africa fell well short of their 277-run goal as he backed up his 6-112 in the first innings with a haul of 4-79 in a long stint of 28 overs. Shaheen Afridi tidied up the tail with some brilliant reverse swing to finish with 4-33.

Despite a resolute 73-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton in the morning, the 39-year-old Noman made good use of the conditions due to the tired Gaddafi Stadium pitch's sharp turn and low bounce. Only six of the total wickets were awarded to pacers, while 34 wickets were taken by spinners on both teams. Senuran Muthusamy, a left-arm spinner from South Africa, took the most in the game with 11-174.

In the first innings, South Africa scored 269 runs in response to Pakistan's 378. The hosts faltered in their second innings of 167 on a weakening wicket, but it was sufficient. 

This was the first match for both these sides of the 2025-27 World Test Championship Cycle, and it moves Pakistan straight into second place behind leaders Australia. Imam-ul-Haq, the opener, scored 93 to put Pakistan in a comfortable position, and then the number seven, Salman Agha, played a good knock, which helped them reach 378.

From there, spinners Noman and Sajid maintained their lead by taking advantage of good home conditions, just as they did in their victory over England in the Test series last year. On October 20, the second and last Test will start.

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