KARACHI: Pakistan on Friday beat South Africa by seven wickets in the first Test at the National Stadium Karachi (NSK) and took 1-0 lead in the two-match series.
The Green Caps were set a target of 88 runs by the Proteas on the fourth day. Azhar Ali remained unbeaten on 31 while Fawad Alam – centurion in the first innings – hit the winning runs. Skipper Babar Azam scored 30.
Anrich Nortje sent both Pakistan openers – Abid Ali and Imran Butt – back in the pavilion on ten and twelve respectively. Babar Azam was trapped lbw by Keshav Maharaj.
The Proteas had resumed the day on 187-4 with a lead of just 29 runs. The hosts had bowled out the visitors on 245 runs in their second innings. Left-arm spinner Nauman Ali took 5-35 while Yasir Shah finished with 4-79.
Hasan Ali bowled nightwatchman Keshav Maharaj (2) on the very first ball of the morning. Skipper Quinton de Kock was removed by Yasir Shah on 2. Nauman Ali picked up the remaining four wickets of George Linde (11), Kagiso Rabada (1), Anrich Nortje (0), and Temba Bavuma (40).
Yasir Shah and Nauman Ali had grabbed three wickets in the space of 10 runs shortly before the close on Thursday to halt South Africa’s fightback on the third day. Shah had also removed Elgar on 29 in post-lunch session.
The Green Caps had scored 378 runs in their first innings, securing a 158-run lead in reply to South Africa’s 220. The second and final match of the series will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4.
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