NEW DELHI: Pakistan kicked off the home leg of Test series with a thrilling 93-run victory over the World Test Champions South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. The high-stakes match was a classic contest between pace and spin, ultimately decided by the effectiveness of Pakistan’s slow bowlers on a turning track.

The victory gives Pakistan a crucial 1-0 lead in the series, proving that even a strong touring side like South Africa can be dismantled by aggressive, home-grown spin bowling on sub-continental pitches. The match was defined by quick collapses and determined resistance from a handful of star players on both sides.

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The initial fight: Salman Agha and Senuran Muthusamy shine

After electing to bat first, Pakistan’s innings of 378 was a tale of recovery. The top order was shaky, but the middle order steadied the ship. Openers Imam-ul-Haq (93) and Captain Shan Masood (76) anchored the first half with patient partnerships.

However, the late flourish came from the brilliant alliance between wicketkeeper Mohammad Rizwan (75) and the aggressive Salman Agha, who top-scored with a powerful 93. Their partnership pushed the total beyond 350, turning a decent score into a commanding one.

South Africa’s bowling was dominated by the left-arm spin of Senuran Muthusamy. He was consistently dangerous, using the conditions perfectly to claim a fantastic haul of 6 wickets for 117 runs, ensuring Pakistan did not run away with the game.

Proteas' weak response

In response, South Africa posted 269, primarily thanks to a remarkable century by opener Tony de Zorzi (104). De Zorzi displayed excellent temperament against the spinning ball, and was ably supported by Ryan Rickelton (71).

Once these two were dismissed, the rest of the South African batting line-up struggled severely against Pakistan’s spin attack. Left-arm orthodox bowler Noman Ali was unplayable, taking a masterful 6 wickets for 112 runs to bowl out the tourists and hand Pakistan a decisive 109-run first-innings lead.

Second innings twist: Setting up the chase

The second innings began with the pitch wearing down and offering even more turn, making batting a high-risk venture. Pakistan struggled to build large scores, being bowled out for just 167 in quick time.

It was the experienced pair of Babar Azam (42) and Shafique (41) who provided the crucial runs needed to establish a challenging target. They focused on quick singles and calculated risks, knowing every run was vital.

South Africa’s spinners capitalized on the turning track in this innings. Muthusamy continued his dream debut with 5 more wickets, securing an 11-wicket match haul. Off-spinner Simon Harmer also contributed heavily, taking 4 wickets to ensure the target for South Africa remained a competitive 277 runs.

The decisive chase: Pakistan’s pace and spin combination

South Africa needed 277 runs for victory, but the chase started disastrously. Pace bowler Shaheen Afridi struck early, using the new ball effectively to dismiss two of the top order cheaply, putting the tourists under pressure at the very start.

A brilliant counter-attack was launched by young batsman Dewald Brevis, who decided to take the attack to the bowlers. He scored a fast 54 runs off 54 balls, which shifted the momentum and put Pakistan's bowlers on the defensive for a brief period.

However, once Brevis fell, the spin attack tightened its grip. Noman Ali (4 wickets) and Sajid Khan (2 wickets) worked in tandem, constantly finding the outside edge or hitting the stumps. Shaheen Afridi returned to finish the job with the old ball, adding two more quick wickets to end with 4 wickets for the innings. South Africa was eventually bowled out for 183.

The 93-run margin reflected the dominance of Pakistan’s bowlers in the decisive moments, securing a crucial win to go 1-0 up in the three-match series.