Pakistan’s national cricket team put an end to South Africa’s spectacular run at the World Cup 2023. They went on to record a crushing 93-run win in the inaugural Test match in Lahore. This loss brings South Africa’s remarkable run of Test match 10 consecutive victories to a sad conclusion. It comes on the heels of their recent win against Australia in the World Test Championship final back in June.
South Africa would be chasing a target of 277 runs. They faltered in their second innings and were dismissed for a paltry 183. Pakistan’s bowlers, headed by spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan, made the most of the home conditions. Noman Ali put in a brilliant performance, taking ten wickets in the match with 10 for 191. He proved his mettle with the ball by taking out South Africa’s Tristan Stubbs for just two runs. He clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who scored 54.
Ali gave one of the year’s most impressive performances. Sajid Khan made the most of the turn on offer on the day and proved to be the match winner. Ending Ryan Rickelton’s innings seriously dented the South African batting resolve and played a huge part in their demise. Shaheen Afridi contributed significantly, dismissing Tony de Zorzi with the third ball of the day and finishing with impressive figures of 4 for 33.
Pakistan’s batting performance really provided the groundwork for their huge victory. Both Imam-ul-Haq and Salman Agha scored 93 runs, helping their team to a total of 378 runs. Their contributions were instrumental in helping establish a highly ambitious target for South Africa, which ended up being just too hard to swing.
As the match entered its final stages, Noman Ali wrapped up his frightening dominance by taking out Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada, crowning Pakistan’s impressive victory. The match showcased Pakistan’s resilience and strategic prowess, allowing them to break South Africa’s formidable winning streak.
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