Pakistan win first Test against South Africa by seven wickets
KARACHI: Pakistan have defeated South Africa in the first Test at National Stadium Karachi on Friday, leading two-match Test series by 1-0.
The national team’s Captain Babar Azam (30) and Azhar Ali (31*) led the team towards victory by seven wickets as the touring team gave a target of 88 runs to win. However, Azam was dismissed just two runs short of the victory as the next batsman Fawad Alam hit a boundary for four to finish the match.
In Pakistan’s first innings, Fawad scored a century which helped Pakistan in gaining a dominating position in the game whereas in South Africa’s second innings, debutant bowler Nauman Ali took his maiden five-wicket haul followed by Yasir Shah’s four wickets while both took seven wickets apiece.
Fawad Alam has been declared as the man of the match.
Initially, South Africa had won the toss and decided to bat first but the Proteas were bowled out for 220. In their inning, Pakistan had made 378 runs giving the opponent extra 158 runs to chase before setting a final target to win.
South Africa were bowled out for 245 in the second innings after which Pakistan had to score 88 to win the match.
From South African side, Dean Elgar scored 58 runs in the first innings while in the second innings, Aiden Markram (74) and Rassie van der Dussen (64) scored half-centuries.
Keshab Maharaj and Anrich Nortje were the leading wicket takers for South Africa. Both took total four wickets in the Test.
From Pakistani side, Azhar Ali (51) and Faheem Ashraf (64) scored half-centuries in the first innings along with Fawad’s brilliant knock of 109 runs.
The second and last Test will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4.
