Pakistan made a strong start to the brand new cycle of World Test Championship (WTC) 2025-27. The Shan Masood-led unit defeated South Africa, who are the current title holders, by 93 runs at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore on Wednesday. The outcome saw Pakistan take 1-0 lead in the two-match series and helped them jump second on the WTC rankings.
Pakistan spinner Noman Ali's inspiring performance was crucial in Pakistan's win, where the batters too had a huge role to play. Batting first after winning the toss, Pakistan piled a massive 378 on the board. Imam-ul-Haq (93), Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (75), and Salman Agha (93) were the main contributors.
South Africa in response were bundled up for 269, which featured a ton from Tony de Zorzi and another 71 by Ryan Rickelton. Noman registered six scalps in the innings, and found great support from fellow spinner Sajid Ali, who picked three wickets.
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The second innings saw bowlers run most of the show as Proteas spinners Senuran Muthusamy and Simon Harmer combined to pick nine wickets between them, with the former registering a five-wicket haul. Pakistan were bundled out for 167 but the healthy lead of 109 runs allowed them to set a target of 277 runs.
South Africa were all-out for 183 in the second innings, with Noman also again being the pick among Pakistan bowlers. He scalped four wickets and took his total tally to ten from the match.
Pakistan will now meet South Africa in the second Test, starting from October 20 in Rawalpindi - the outcome of which will decide the fate of the series.
Updated WTC 2025-27 table after PAK vs SA 1st Test
While Pakistan find themselves at second, India have slid to fourth. The Shubman Gill-led unit were third until this match was over. They have four wins, one draw, and two defeats from seven Tests.
Australia, who have won all of their three matches so far, sit at top, while South Africa are placed seventh.
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