Pakistan secured a comprehensive seven-wicket victory over the Proteas in Karachi on Friday, following another disastrous batting collapse by the visitors.
A couple of late wickets on Thursday afternoon proved critical in the Proteas’ attempts of fighting back in the game.
And, the trend continued early on day four as Nauman Ali took five wickets, which all but ended the Proteas’ chances of getting a result.
READ: Lunch: Pakistan close in on victory
Aiden Markam and Rassie van der Dussen’s good partnership was the only real resistance from a batting point of view as the Proteas slumped from 172-1 to 245 all out.
It left Pakistan with the small target of 88 runs to get to wrap up the win in the first Test.
Anrich Nortje struck twice directly after lunch, removing both openers Abid Ali (10) and Imran Butt (12).
A 50-run stand between Azhar Ali and Babar Azam edged Pakistan closer to victory before the captain was trapped in front by Keshav Maharaj.
Fawad Alam, who’s century in the first innings turned the tide in Pakistan’s favour, was left with the easy task of hitting the winning runs.
The Proteas’ poor showing with the bat in the first innings, ultimately put them on the back foot. Combined with the Pakistani’s fight-back in their first innings, where the Proteas leaked runs at critical stages, provided an uphill battle for Quinton de Kock’s men.
The two teams will now head to Rawalpindi where the second and final Test match will take place from 4-8 February.
