In a victory that has emphatically kickstarted their new World Test Championship (WTC) cycle, Pakistan secured a clinical 93-run win over reigning WTC champions South Africa in the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The result is momentous, as it snaps the Proteas’ formidable 10-match winning streak in Test cricket, a run that had established them as the format’s premier side.

The Spin King and the Turning Pitch

The narrative of this match was inextricably linked to the Lahore pitch, a pre-planned turning wicket that played perfectly into Pakistan’s hands. At the heart of the victory was veteran left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who put in a Man-of-the-Match performance with a magnificent haul of 10 wickets for 191 runs across both innings.

Noman’s dominance underscores Pakistan’s deliberate strategy to exploit home conditions, a tactic that has seen the 39-year-old collect 46 wickets in his last five home Tests. His consistent line, subtle variations, and marathon unchanged spells on Day 4 were too much for the South African lineup, which struggled to adapt to the abrasive, low-bouncing surface.

Key Moments of the Battle

While Noman Ali was the chief architect, the foundation for the win was built on crucial contributions from the entire team:

Pakistan defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test at Lahore, ending the Proteas’ 10-match winning streak. Spinner Noman Ali starred with 10 wickets in the match, supported by Shaheen Shah Afridi, as South Africa was bowled out for 183 while chasing 277. The win gives Pakistan a 1–0 lead in the two-Test series, with the next match set for Rawalpindi.

• First Innings Resilience: After a strong start, Pakistan’s middle-order faltered, but an essential 163-run sixth-wicket stand between Mohammad Rizwan (75) and Salman Ali Agha (93) rescued the innings, taking the total to a commanding 378.
• The Brevis-Buster: South Africa, chasing a tough target of 277, showed fight with a 73-run partnership between Dewald Brevis and Ryan Rickelton. Brevis’s aggressive, 54-run counter-attack briefly threatened to swing the momentum. However, Noman Ali delivered a delivery that spun sharply to castle Brevis, triggering the final collapse.
• Reverse Swing Clincher: As the pitch deteriorated, pacer Shaheen Shah Afridi delivered a potent spell of reverse swing, mopping up the tail to finish with 4-33 in the final innings, sealing the 93-run victory.

Pakistan ended South Africa’s impressive 10-Test winning streak with a hard-fought victory, showcasing disciplined bowling and determined batting to hand the Proteas their first defeat in months.

Pakistan halted South Africa’s dominant run, ending their 10-match winning streak with a spirited performance marked by sharp bowling and solid batting.

South Africa’s 10-Test winning streak ended by Pakistan

A Measuring Stick Moment

For Pakistan captain Shan Masood, the win against the “world champions” serves as a vital measuring stick for his squad, marking a superb start to their WTC campaign, which now sees them jump to the second spot in the standings.

Conversely, South Africa captain Aiden Markram lamented a crucial 109-run first-innings deficit and a general inability to capitalize on starts, despite an 11-wicket haul from their own left-arm spinner, Senuran Muthusamy. The Proteas, who were missing key players like regular captain Temba Bavuma and experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj (set to return for the second Test in Rawalpindi), will need to quickly “clean up their game” to prevent a series defeat.

The victory not only elevates Pakistan’s standing but also sends a clear message: on turning tracks at home, the Green Machine is a force to be reckoned with.

Pakistan Ends South Africa’s 10-Match Winning Streak with Thrilling Victory

October 16, 2025 – Pakistan stunned the cricketing world today by ending South Africa’s remarkable 10-match winning streak, securing a hard-fought victory in a high-pressure clash. The match, filled with drama, intensity, and standout performances, reminded fans why cricket is called a game of glorious uncertainties.

The Match Overview

South Africa came into the contest riding high on confidence, unbeaten in their last 10 games across formats. Pakistan, however, had other plans. With disciplined bowling and a determined batting display, the Men in Green broke the Proteas’ winning momentum, handing them their first defeat in months.

Pakistan’s Key Performances

• Batting Brilliance – Pakistan’s top order laid a solid foundation, with steady partnerships ensuring scoreboard pressure stayed manageable.
• All-Round Support – Middle-order contributions and sharp running between the wickets kept the momentum going.
• Bowling Attack – Pakistan’s bowlers showed great control, picking up crucial wickets at regular intervals and applying pressure throughout the innings.

South Africa’s Struggle

Despite their strong form, South Africa faltered under pressure:

• Their batting lineup, usually dominant, collapsed against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling.
• Key players couldn’t convert good starts into big scores.
• The pressure of chasing proved too heavy, leading to their first defeat in 11 matches.

Reactions from Players and Fans

• Pakistani players celebrated passionately, calling the win a statement of intent.
• Fans across Pakistan rejoiced, hailing it as a turning point in the team’s campaign.
• South African captain admitted Pakistan outplayed them and emphasized the importance of learning from the defeat.

Why This Win Matters

This victory is significant for Pakistan not just because it ended South Africa’s unbeaten run, but also because:

• It boosts team morale heading into upcoming matches.
• It strengthens Pakistan’s position in ongoing competitions.
• It sends a clear message that Pakistan remains a dangerous side capable of defeating top-ranked teams.

Conclusion

Pakistan’s triumph over South Africa has reignited excitement among fans and experts alike. By ending the Proteas’ impressive 10-match winning streak, Pakistan has shown resilience, determination, and the ability to rise under pressure. With this victory, the cricketing world is once again reminded—no winning streak is safe when Pakistan is on the field.