The first Test of South Africa tour of Pakistan, held at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium, showcased a riveting contest between two strong Test sides. Pakistan, electing to bat first, posted competitive totals of 378 and 167 in their two innings. South Africa responded with 269 and 183 in their respective innings, but the hosts emerged victorious by a convincing 93 runs. Central to Pakistan’s triumph was the exceptional bowling brilliance of 39-year-old left-arm spinner Noman Ali, whose match-winning 10-wicket haul propelled Pakistan to a dominant win.
Noman Ali’s ten-for seals the deal for Pakistan against South Africa
Noman was the standout performer of the match, delivering a masterclass in spin bowling that utterly dismantled the formidable South African batting lineup across both innings. In South Africa’s first innings, Noman took 6 wickets for 112 runs, striking crucial blows at key moments, including dismissing the dangerous Tony de Zorzi who scored a gritty 104. His precision bowling kept the Proteas under persistent pressure and prevented any substantial partnerships from flourishing.
In the second innings, Noman added 4 more wickets for 79 runs, including the important scalps of aggressive youngster Dewald Brevis, who had briefly threatened Pakistan’s grip on the match with a rapid 54, and Ryan Rickelton dismissed by his spin partner Sajid Khan shortly thereafter. This ten-wicket haul marked Noman’s third such feat in Test cricket and equalled the record for most 10-wicket match hauls in World Test Championship history alongside Nathan Lyon, underscoring his value as Pakistan’s premier spinner at home conditions.
Pakistan’s emphatic win over South Africa in Lahore Test
Pakistan’s innings were built on solid foundations laid by their top order, with Imam-ul-Haq scoring 93 and Shan Masood contributing 76 in the first innings. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha also added valuable runs with scores of 75 and 93, respectively, helping Pakistan set a strong first innings total of 378. The hosts’ bowlers then applied relentless pressure on the South African batters, who struggled to achieve substantial partnerships despite some resistance from De Zorzi and Ryan Rickelton.
In the second innings, Pakistan struggled for consistency and were bowled out for a modest 167, setting South Africa a target of 277 runs to win. However, the spin duo turned the tide decisively, with the visitors being bowled out for 183 runs. Pakistan’s bowlers systematically picked wickets, tightening their grip as the match progressed, to claim the Test by 93 runs. The win underlined Pakistan’s dominance at home and their ability to leverage spin-friendly conditions effectively.
The victory was also notable as it came against the reigning World Test Champions South Africa in a fiercely contested series opener, boosting Pakistan’s confidence for the remainder of the tour. Noman’s phenomenal bowling display, combined with disciplined team efforts in batting and fielding, carved a memorable chapter in Pakistan’s Test cricket history played out in front of roaring home support in Lahore.
Also READ: PAK vs SA: Fans mercilessly troll Tristan Stubbs for his flop show with the bat in Lahore Test
Here’s how fans reacted:
NOMAN ALI – THE WORKHORSE OF PAKISTAN TEAM.
Pakistan bowled 144.5 overs in the Test match, and Noman Ali bowled 63 of them. That’s a crazy fitness level at the age of 39. pic.twitter.com/3ziat4cpaB
— Sheri. (@CallMeSheri1_) October 15, 2025
vs #ViratKohli & #RohitSharma catching heat at 36-38, while Pakistan’s Noman Ali—39 & gets hailed as a wizard! Age is just a number… or is it borders? #NomanAli #PAKvSA #Lahore pic.twitter.com/aPfOkSPmUP
— lightningspeed (@lightningspeedk) October 15, 2025
Noman Ali (POTM) : “First of all, I want to thank Allah. We had to adapt session by session and kept discussing our plans throughout. The key was to stick to the basics and keep things simple. I’ve been focusing solely on red-ball cricket and working hard with the NCA coaches.… pic.twitter.com/kIlq4mKMm8
— Cricket Pakistan (@crickethub_pk) October 15, 2025
10 wickets in the match.
NOMAN ALI WON THE POTM AWARD. #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/CdssQTWu2v
— (@ahsan_shah90) October 15, 2025
Bowler of the Match: Noman Ali
Player of the Match: Noman AliNOMAN ALI — THE HERO OF PAKISTAN IN THE FIRST TEST! #NomanAli#PakistanCricket#PakvSA pic.twitter.com/wAKxgOnfGR
— Mr Faiz (@shazlmek) October 15, 2025
Pakistan won the 1st Test vs SA
Noman Ali picked up brilliant 10-wicket haul, while Shaheen claimed 4 wickets. Imam played a solid knock of 93 runs in the 1st innings, Babar looked in great touch in the 2nd inning.A special win on a big day, King Babar’s birthday pic.twitter.com/67rR13d1an
— Muhammad Muavia (@iamMK_46) October 15, 2025
Pakistan wins first Test! Noman Ali and Shaheen Afridi shine with 4 wickets each, beating South Africa by 93 runs!#Pakistan #PAKvSA pic.twitter.com/5wt21CY0lx
— Mr Faiz (@shazlmek) October 15, 2025
What magical delivery from Magician Noman Ali #PakistanCricket #PAKvSA #AUSvIND #nomanali #Shaheen #ViratKohli𓃵 #BabarAzam𓃵
— Cricket Lovers (@Criclovers554) October 15, 2025
What a rise it’s been for Noman Ali since last year. He’s been such a brilliant bowler for us#PAKvsSA #PakistanCricket #PAKvSA https://t.co/YMBqTAjZiy
— SHAHEER (@Sh7heer) October 15, 2025
NOMAN ALI ON FIRE!
Last 5 Tests:
– 11 wickets vs England
– 9 wickets vs England
– 6 wickets vs West Indies
– 10 wickets vs West Indies
– 10 wickets vs South AfricaSir Noman Ali — consistency personified!
A true match-winner for Pakistan! … pic.twitter.com/9xJQLijJ7k— Rana Ahmed (@RanaAhmad056) October 15, 2025
One Man Army, Remember the name Noman Ali.#PakistanCricket #PAKvsSA pic.twitter.com/6eJg4QsVzb
— Adnan Malik (@A_ViewsPk) October 15, 2025
Also READ: Fans react as Noman Ali’s 6-fer rattles South Africa despite Tony de Zorzi’s fighting ton in Lahore Test – PAK vs SA
