Pakistan vs South Africa Match Highlights & Results

That concludes a commanding performance from Pakistan, who secure a dominant victory in the 1st Test to take a crucial lead in the series. The focus now shifts to the 2nd Test between these two sides, with the action set to resume on Monday, October 20th, at 5 am GMT. Be sure to join us for all the early pitch report and team news build-up. Until next time, it's goodbye from us. Cheers!

Shan Masood, the captain of Pakistan, starts by crediting the Proteas' effort, adds that they came back a lot of times in the game, but appreciates how his bowlers bowled today. Admits they have played in more docile conditions and have produced plenty of exceptional seamers. Reckons there are plenty of encouraging signs with the squad they have. Tells they are happy to start off with a win and that too against the reigning champions.

Aiden Markram, the skipper of South Africa, says there were good moments in the past few days but they have to learn from this game and come back stronger. Mentions there were a few moments where they could have capitalized, and feels they could have done better in the first innings. Admits Senuran Muthusamy works hard behind the scenes and is reaping rewards. Reckons they have a nice, balanced team, but will see how the pitch is in the next game and change accordingly.

Noman Ali wins the PLAYER OF THE MATCH AWARD. He says he changed his tactics depending on the batter or the situation. Tells he bowls according to the conditions and tries to stay consistent with the line and length. Mentions he has been working hard for the past 6-8 months. Feels Dewald Brevis' wicket was important and he celebrated because it was his 10th wicket in the game.

...Presentation...

Pakistan continued with their dominance at the start of Day 4 as well. The speedster Shaheen Afridi struck with the third ball of the day, trapping Tony de Zorzi plumb to give Pakistan the early advantage. Spinner Noman Ali then joined the party, quickly removing Tristan Stubbs. A scintillating counter-attack by young Dewald Brevis, who hammered a quick-fire 54, offered a glimmer of hope for South Africa, only for Noman Ali to castle him just when he looked dangerous. The final nail in the coffin came from Sajid Khan right before lunch, ending Ryan Rickelton's gritty 45. South Africa were reeling at 137/6 at the end of the morning session. However, with the loss of their top order, it was a matter of when the innings folded rather than if. South Africa showed glimpses of staying in the game but lost the crucial moments.

Despite decent starts from Babar Azam and others, Pakistan folded for a low score of 167, having set South Africa an achievable chase of 277 runs to win the Test. Coming to chase 277 at the end of Day 3, left-arm spinner Noman Ali picked two crucial wickets of Aiden Markram and Wiaan Mulder early on, leaving the visitors in a precarious position at 18/2.

However, the momentum proved fleeting and utterly reversible. Pakistan’s second innings was a spectacular disaster. It was a classic example of how quickly a cricket match can turn. The South African spinners, fresh off their first-innings success, were simply irresistible. The familiar face of Senuran Muthusamy proved to be the chief executioner once more, bagging an astonishing 5/57 to complete a phenomenal 10-wicket match haul. With solid support from Simon Harmer (4/51), the batting line-up dissolved in a sensational collapse, losing five wickets for just 17 runs in the final session of the Moving Day.

Crucially, though, Pakistan's own spin twins, led by Noman Ali with his six wickets, hit back hard, dismantling the South African line-up, which revolved around Tony de Zorzi's superb century. This effort secured a crucial 109-run first-innings lead, putting Pakistan firmly in the driver's seat.

This Test match has been a rollercoaster ride for Pakistan. They started with promise, posting 378 in the first innings, despite the heartbreak of both Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha missing well-deserved centuries. The innings ended in a rush of blood, largely thanks to a spectacular first-innings collapse orchestrated by South Africa's spinner Senuran Muthusamy with his six wickets!

Shaheen Afridi's exceptional performance today was a highlight, despite the spinners' dominance. Shan Masood's surprise decision to start with Afridi set the tone, and he delivered, bowling with pace and aggression. His four-wicket haul helped Pakistan take the lead, making him a key factor in the home team's dominance. Well, that was about today. Let's recap how the game unfolded right from the start.

The reigning World Test Champions, South Africa, start the new cycle on the wrong note. An exceptional performance from Pakistan have outdone the Proteas. On a rank-turner, their spinners stepped up. Noman Ali, particularly, showed what consistency can do. A 10-wicket haul has helped Pakistan go 1-0 up in the 2-match series.

Shaheen Afridi to Kagiso Rabada, OUT! b Shaheen Afridi.OUT! CLEANED UP! Kagiso Rabada gets a taste of his own medicine. Shaheen Afridi keeps it very full and gets it to swing back in sharply from the middle pole. Kagiso Rabada plays the wrong line, tries to defend but is undone by the movement and it crashes the leg pole. Pakistan win by 93 runs.

Shaheen Afridi to Kagiso Rabada, No run.Bowls a yorker-length delivery, shaping on leg, Kagiso Rabada digs it out off the inside edge onto the pads. Shaheen Afridi appeals but he knew there was an edge.

DRINKS! Just the one wicket left for Pakistan to close the game. It has been a phenomenal performance from them so far. Can Kagiso Rabada survive and stretch the unavoidable outcome?

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, OUT! b Shaheen Afridi.OUT! BOWLED! Shaheen Afridi is cleaning up the tail quickly! Serves a fuller length delivery with an angle, it lands and shapes away. Subrayen is squared up, tries to defend in front of his pads but misses by a long way and it crashes the stumps.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, No run.Fuller and down the leg side, Subrayen looks to flick but misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, No run.Pushes it full and just outside off, it lands and nips back in. Prenelan Subrayen shoulders arms but the ball whizzes past the off pole.

Hasan Ali to Simon Harmer, 2 runs.Gets it to shape in by a long way, Simon Harmer inside edges his flick to square leg for a couple.

Hasan Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Nips in a length ball on middle, Simon Harmer turns it to mid on.

Hasan Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Touch fuller and on middle, defended back to the bowler.

Hasan Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Good length delivery, close to the off pole. Simon Harmer punches it to cover.

Hasan Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Bowls it on a length and outside off, Simon Harmer shoulders arms to it.

Hasan Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Short of a length and outside off. Simon Harmer lets it go.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, 2 runs.Much fuller, on leg, Prenelan Subrayen flicks it through mid-wicket for a brace.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, Four!FOUR! Edgy! Too full, outside off, Prenelan Subrayen looks to block it but gets a thick outside edge as the ball goes through short third for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, No run.On a length, outside off, Prenelan Subrayen tries to waft at it but misses.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, 2 runs.On a length, on leg, Prenelan Subrayen flicks it through backward square leg for a single.

Shaheen Afridi to Prenelan Subrayen, No run.Too full, on off, Prenelan Subrayen digs it back to the bowler.

Prenelan Subrayen walks in.

Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Verreynne, OUT! lbw b Shaheen Afridi.OUT! PLUMB! Shaheen Afridi strikes! South Africa go eight down now. On a length, on middle and it stays low. Kyle Verreynne looks to block it but gets beaten on the lack of bounce as the ball hits his pads. An appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Kyle Verreynne walks back into the shed.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Flatter, on leg, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for one.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Too full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne digs it back to the bowler.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Fuller, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it through mid-wicket for a single.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Much fuller, on off, Simon Harmer pushes it back to the bowler.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Flatter, turning in, Simon Harmer blocks it back.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for one.

Shaheen Afridi to Simon Harmer, Four!FOUR! A poor delivery from Shaheen Afridi! A full toss, down leg, Simon Harmer uses the pace of the ball and clips it fine for a boundary. Good over for South Africa.

Shaheen Afridi to Simon Harmer, No run.Too full, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it to the fielder at short mid-wicket.

Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Verreynne, Leg bye.On a length, down leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. The ball rolls towards square leg. They collect a leg bye.

Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Verreynne, Four!FOUR! Top shot! Much fuller, outside off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and drives it magnificently through covers for a boundary.

Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Oh! On a length, down leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to block it but wears it on his pads.

Shaheen Afridi to Kyle Verreynne, 4 Leg byes.FOUR LEG BYES! Bonus runs for South Africa! Errs his line down leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to flick it but the ball clips his pads and races away to the fence at fine leg.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne eases it to the fielder at silly point. An overthrow allows the batters to collect a single.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Short, on off, Kyle Verreynne taps it to short cover.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Flatter, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Keeps it full, on off, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for a single.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne taps it to short cover.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Short, on leg, Simon Harmer tucks it to mid-wicket for a single.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Short, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Full, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it to mid-wicket for one.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Much fuller, on leg, Simon Harmer blocks it to the fielder at short leg.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne tucks it to mid-wicket for one.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Keeps it on off, Simon Harmer reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Too full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne looks to sweep it but edges it to fine leg for a single.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.A low full toss, on leg, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it towards deep backward square leg for a single.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Much fuller, on off, Simon Harmer reverse sweeps it to point for a single.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Short, outside off, turning away. Simon Harmer tries to play at it but misses.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Too full, on off, Simon Harmer digs it back to the bowler.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Much fuller, on off, Simon Harmer blocks it to mid off.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and blocks it back.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Keeps it full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne leans on and blocks it back.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Flatter, on leg, Simon Harmer flicks it through mid-wicket for a single. Good fielding in the deep.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Short, down leg, Simon Harmer looks to flick it but wears it on his pads. A stifled appeal but turned down.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Lands it on middle, Simon Harmer eases it to right of the bowler.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Too full, on off, Simon Harmer blocks it back to the bowler.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne blocks it to mid on.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, 1 run.Full, on off, Simon Harmer reverse sweeps it to backward point for a single.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Lands it on leg, Simon Harmer knocks it to the fielder at mid on.

Noman Ali to Simon Harmer, No run.Quicker, on off, Simon Harmer blocks it back.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Short, on leg, Kyle Verreynne tucks it through square leg for a single.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Tossed up, on off, Kyle Verreynne pushes it to cover.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Beaten again! Flatter, outside off and it stays low. Simon Harmer looks to play at it but gets beaten again.

Sajid Khan to Simon Harmer, No run.Flatter, outside off, Simon Harmer tries to waft at it but misses.

Simon Harmer walks in.

Sajid Khan to Senuran Muthusamy, OUT! lbw b Sajid Khan.OUT! PLUMB! Sajid Khan strikes and gets his second. Flatter, on middle and it skids through and stays a tad low. Senuran Muthusamy tries to sweep it but misses it completely. The ball goes on to hit his pads. A loud appeal and the finger goes up straightaway. Senuran Muthusamy sends it upstairs to have a check. Ultra Edge shows no spike and Ball Tracking shows three reds. The onfield decision stands OUT. South Africa go seven down now.

Sajid Khan to Senuran Muthusamy, No run.Short, on off, Senuran Muthusamy punches it to cover.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Tossed up, on off, Kyle Verreynne reverse sweeps it through backward point for a single.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Short, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Flatter, on middle, Kyle Verreynne fends it through backward point for a single.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Quicker, on off, Kyle Verreynne pushes it to mid off.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Beauty! This one lands on off and turns away, Kyle Verreynne tries to block it but gets beaten all ends up.

Noman Ali to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Short, on middle, Kyle Verreynne blocks it back to the bowler.

Noman Ali to Senuran Muthusamy, 1 run.Much fuller, on off, Senuran Muthusamy reverse sweeps it through backward point for a single.

Sajid Khan to Senuran Muthusamy, 1 run.Short, on off, Senuran Muthusamy punches it to point for a single.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Keeps it full, on leg, Kyle Verreynne sweeps it through square leg for one.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Much fuller, on off, Kyle Verreynne leans on and blocks it back.

Sajid Khan to Senuran Muthusamy, 1 run.Slower one, on leg, Senuran Muthusamy digs it to square leg for one.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, 1 run.Flatter, on leg, Kyle Verreynne knocks it down the ground for a single.

Sajid Khan to Kyle Verreynne, No run.Short, turning in, Kyle Verreynne tucks it to mid-wicket.

We are back for the second session of Day 4. The umpires and the players are out in the middle. Senuran Muthusamy and Kyle Verreynne will resume with the bat for South Africa. Sajid Khan to start with the ball. Let's go...

... DAY 4, SESSION 2 ...

South Africa began Day 4 with momentum, courtesy of Tony de Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton's solid conclusion to Day 3. However, 'The Eagle', Shaheen Afridi struck early, removing de Zorzi in the first over. Wiaan Mulder and Tristan Stubbs soon followed. Dewald Brevis's aggressive approach put Pakistan under pressure, and he and Rickelton batted well to revive the chase. However, Noman Ali's exceptional delivery and Sajid Khan's subsequent wicket have swung the game in Pakistan's favor, removing Brevis and Rickelton respectively. Join us for what could be the final session of the game.

A dramatic session has concluded, with Pakistan emerging stronger. Every over was eventful, and the hosts are walking away with their heads held high. The crucial wickets of Ryan Rickelton and Dewald Brevis have shifted the balance in Pakistan's favor, making them favorites to clinch the game. They require just four more wickets, while South Africa needs 140 runs to win.

Noman Ali to Senuran Muthusamy, 2 runs.Pitched up, outside off, driven through covers for a couple of runs. LUNCH!

Noman Ali to Senuran Muthusamy, No run.Tossed up, around off, Senuran Muthusamy solidly defends it out.

Noman Ali to Senuran Muthusamy, No run.Pushes it well outside off, Senuran Muthusamy steps across and down to block.

Noman Ali to Senuran Muthusamy, No run.Slower in the air, full and on leg, Senuran Muthusamy plants his front foot across to sweep but keeps it out on the leg side.