The win marks a perfect start to Pakistan’s ICC World Test Championship (WTC) 2025–27 campaign.
Chasing a target of 277, South Africa faltered against Pakistan’s disciplined bowling attack.
Noman Ali and Shaheen Afridi were the stars of the show, claiming four wickets each, while Sajid Khan provided crucial support with timely breakthroughs.
The Proteas got off to a shaky start when skipper Aiden Markram fell early to Noman for just three runs, leaving his side at 13-1.
Noman struck again soon after, removing Wiaan Mulder for a duck to tighten Pakistan’s grip.
Rickelton and De Zorzi briefly steadied the innings with an unbeaten 33-run stand for the third wicket.
Resuming their innings at 51-2, South Africa faced immediate pressure as Shaheen struck in the very first over of the day, dismissing Tony de Zorzi for 16. Noman continued his fine form, removing Tristan Stubbs for just two runs to leave the visitors struggling at 55-4.
Dewald Brevis then joined Rickelton and provided resistance, adding 50 runs for the fifth wicket to take South Africa past the 100 mark.
Brevis, who was dismissed for a duck in the first innings, redeemed himself with a brisk 54 off 54 balls — his second Test fifty.
However, Noman soon ended his fightback, dismissing Brevis at 128-5 to give Pakistan another vital breakthrough.
Sajid Khan then got rid of Rickelton to deepen the visitors’ troubles.
After lunch, Sajid struck again, removing Senuran Muthusamy (6) as South Africa slipped to 144-7, effectively sealing Pakistan’s path to victory.
A brief resistance from Kyle Verreynne (19) and Simon Harmer followed, but Shaheen's fiery spell sealed the deal for Pakistan.
He removed Verreynne and Prenelan Subrayen (8) in quick succession before wrapping up the innings, finishing with figures of 4/33 while Noman registered figures of 4/79 as well.
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