Pakistan finished last in the World Test Championship WTC standings in the last cycle. However, the Shan Masood-led side has got off to a solid start in the latest edition, beating South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore. With this victory, the Men in Green took a 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
Pakistan batted first in the Test match after winning the toss. They posted 378 in the first innings on the back of half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha. In reply, South Africa were bowled out for 269, conceding a 109-run lead despite Tony de Zorzi's splendid ton.
Senuran Muthusamy bagged a five-for in Pakistan's second innings to go with a six-wicket haul in the first. The hosts were bowled out for 167, setting a 277-run target for the Proteas to win in the fourth innings. However, the conditions deteriorated for batting and Shaheen Afridi and Noman Ali wreaked havoc with four-fors. The latter bagged another 10-wicket match figures in his Test career. South Africa were bowled out for 183, losing by 93 runs.