Pakistan vs South Africa, 1st Test Match Summary

So that is it from this game! It is Pakistan who will enter the second Test with the lead. A must-win game for South Africa if they want to avoid a series defeat. It begins on the 4th of February at 1000 local (0500 GMT). Till then, take care and goodbye!

Pakistan skipper, Babar Azam, starts by saying the players played really well, the bowlers began brilliantly. States they wanted to bat first after winning the toss but they were asked to field first. Mentions partnerships were very important here and they were in a spot of bother but Azhar Ali and Fawad Alam did brilliantly, they were patient and batted excellently and them along with the bowlers gave them this victory. Adds South Africa is a quality side but they had plans for them and Nauman Ali was excellent on his debut along with Yasir Shah.

South African skipper, Quinton de Kock, says how they batted in the first innings cost them. Admits they failed to adjust to the wicket and a lot of dismissals were very soft. Mentions they will learn from this, their bowlers bowled really well but the Pakistan batters batted really well.

MAN OF THE MATCH, Fawad Alam, says this knock was very important as his side needed runs. Mentions they wanted to bat long in the first innings as that would make it easier for them in the second. Admits he was under pressure, especially as he is making a comeback after a long time. He though is enjoying his time and he thanks almighty for everything. States the pitch was not easy to bat on but he wanted to apply himself and not think a lot about the wicket.

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After gaining such a lead, one just got a feeling that South Africa would just surrender but they showed great fight and determination. They wiped out the deficit with 9 wickets in hand. Rassie and Markram showed great grit and determination to fight it out there. However, the last hour of the third day just changed the look of the game completely. Yasir got the ball to do its bit and he along with Nauman Ali ran through the middle and the top order of South Africa. There was not a lot of fight shown by the lower-order in the morning of Day 4 which saw Pakistan needing just 88 to win the first Test and they have done it without breaking a sweat.

Then, they were in trouble at 33 for 4 at the end of Day 1 but top class contributions from the lower and the middle order saw them gain a lead of over 150. Fawad Alam was the star with the bat for them as he smashed yet another ton after his comeback into the side.

South Africa did show fight throughout the game! They did have their moments but it was Pakistan who won the crucial moments and hence, they are the ones who have come out on top. First they managed to keep South Africa to 220 after being asked to field despite the visitors being 100 for 2 at one stage.

A very comfortable win in the end for Pakistan! Babar Azam's tenure as captain has started off with a win! It was never in doubt to be honest when they needed just under 90. South Africa did manage to take two quick wickets but that was all. Azhar Ali and Babar Azam with a 50-run plus stand, has ensured the home side take a 1-0 lead in this series.

FOUR! There is the winning runs! Short delivery on off, Alam punches it through point for a boundary. PAKISTAN WIN BY 7 WICKETS!

Full ball on middle, Alam flicks it to mid-wicket.

Loopy delivery on off, Alam keeps it out.

Flighted delivery on middle, Alam defends it back towards the bowler.

Fawad Alam is the new batsman in.

OUT! LBW! Three reds and Azam has to walk back! Tossed up delivery on off, Azam looks to defend but gets hit on the pads. The bowler appeals for lbw and the umpire raises his finger. Azam reviews it. Ultra Edge shows there is no bat involved. Ball Tracker shows it is three reds.

Review time! An appeal for lbw! Babar Azam is the man in question. Ultra Edge shows there is a flat line when the ball passes the bat. Ball Tracker shows it is three reds.

Keshav Maharaj is into the attack.

Flighted delivery on off, Azhar defends it off the front foot.

On off, Ali defends it off the back foot.

Floated delivery on middle, Ali pushes it to mid off.

Loopy ball on off, Ali defends it out.

Floated delivery on middle, Ali defends it off the back foot.

FOUR! Good shot! Short delivery on off, Azhar cuts it hard through point for a boundary. Just 2 required for Pakistan to win this match!

On a length on off, Azam offers a solid defense on this one.

Length delivery on leg, Azam flicks it towards fine leg for a boundary.

Good length ball on off, Azam blocks it off the front foot.

Full delivery on middle, Azam flicks it to mid-wicket.

FOUR! Nice shot! Length delivery on off, Azam punches it through covers for a boundary.

Good length delivery on middle, Azam looks to flick but gets it off the pads. It goes towards the leg side. The fielder throws it at the bowler's end where it goes past Ngidi towards mid off for overthrows. The batsmen get two runs.

Flighted ball on off, Azhar defends it off the back foot.