Pakistan delivered a clinical performance to defeat South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, securing a crucial victory that elevated them to second place in the ICC World Test Championship 2025-27 standings with a perfect 100 percent win rate.

The match, which concluded on October 15, 2025, saw Pakistan post a commanding first innings total of 378 before restricting the Proteas to 183 runs in their second innings chase. Pakistan's second innings declaration at 167 set South Africa an imposing target that proved too challenging for the visiting side.

Veteran spinner Noman Ali emerged as the hero of the match, claiming 10 wickets across both innings with figures of 10/191. His exceptional bowling performance earned him the Player of the Match award and proved instrumental in dismantling the South African batting lineup. Ali found valuable support from pace spearhead Shaheen Afridi, who contributed four crucial wickets in the second innings, including the final dismissal of Kagiso Rabada in the 61st over to seal Pakistan's victory.

The triumph carries significant implications for Pakistan's World Test Championship ambitions. The 12 points earned from this victory, combined with their 100 percent win rate, places them firmly in contention for the WTC final. They now sit behind only Australia, who maintain top position with three consecutive victories and an identical perfect record.

The victory also represents a resurgence for Pakistan's Test team, who have historically struggled with consistency in the longer format. The home advantage at Gaddafi Stadium proved decisive, with the pitch offering substantial assistance to spinners as the match progressed, playing perfectly into Ali's strengths.

South Africa's batting collapse in the second innings will be a concern for their coaching staff. Unable to build partnerships or counter Pakistan's spin-pace combination effectively, the Proteas fell well short of their target, managing just 183 runs in their chase. The defeat dents their own WTC aspirations and highlights vulnerabilities against quality spin bowling in subcontinental conditions.

The WTC standings have taken an interesting shape following recent results. While Australia leads the table and Pakistan occupies second position, India has also strengthened their position after completing a 2-0 series sweep against the West Indies, improving their percentage and remaining in contention for the championship final.

This victory sets up an intriguing remainder of the WTC cycle, with Pakistan demonstrating they possess the bowling firepower and home advantage to challenge any opposition. As the tournament progresses toward its conclusion, Pakistan's combination of Noman Ali's spin mastery and Shaheen Afridi's pace attack makes them a formidable force, particularly in home conditions where they can exploit favorable playing surfaces to maximum effect.