Pakistan took a 1-0 series lead with a 93-run victory over the reigning WTC champions South Africa in the first Test of the two matches at Gadaffi Stadium in Lahore. On Day 3 of the series opener, Pakistan were bundled out for 167 in the second innings and set a 277-run target for South Africa to chase. At stumps, the Proteas posted a total of 51/2, with Ryan Rickelton and Tony de Zorzi batting on 29 and 16, respectively, and needed 226 runs to win the match.
However, on Day 4, the visitors’ batting collapsed as they were bundled out for 183, despite a half-century by Dewald Brevis, handing Pakistan a crucial 1-0 lead in the two-match Test series. Pakistan spinner Noman Ali, who was adjudged Player of the Match, was the star performer as he registered figures of 10/191, including a six-wicket haul in the first innings, at an economy rate of 3.03 in 63 matches.