Misbahul Haq hit the winning runs with a supreme six straight down the ground. PHOTO: AFP/FILE
South Africa were bowled out for 232, leaving Pakistan an easy target of 40 runs for their first test victory against SA since 2011.
As the chase kicked off though, Pakistan's volatile batting order crumbled away once away with Shan Masood, Khurram Manzoor and Azhar Ali falling to pace and swing for scores of zero, four and three respectively.
Stalwarts Younis Khan and Misbahul Haq then stepped in to stabilise the innings, with the skipper smashing a six to take his team over the finish line in the 14th over.
Earlier, AB de Villiers hit a fighting 90 to help South Africa avoid an innings defeat but South Africa's innings folded at 232 on the stroke of tea on the fourth day at Sheih Zayed Stadium.
De Villiers added an invaluable 57 for the eighth wicket with Robin Petersen to help South Africa erase the 193-run first innings deficit.
Petersen added 42 for the ninth wicket with Vernon Philander (ten) much to the frustration of the Pakistani bowlers but Saeed Ajmal (4-74) wrapped up the innings by taking the last two wickets.
Peterson finished on 47 not out.
De Villiers hit seven boundaries and a six off 157-balls in a resistance filled innings before he miscued a drive off paceman Junaid Khan with just three to avoid an innings defeat.
Khan finished with 3-57.
Pakistan's bowlers had grabbed two wickets in the morning session to boost their chances as the pitch offered good turn after South Africa resumed at 72-4, trailing by a big 121 runs.
De Villiers added 57 with Faf du Plessis (nine) before Ajmal removed du Plessis soon after lunch.
Left-arm spinner Zulfiqar Babar (2-51) dismissed nightwatchman Dale Steyn (seven) and then paceman Jinaid Khan removed Jean-Paul Duminy (nought) as South Africa struggled against a spirited bowling attack.
Steyn had frustrated Pakistan in the first hour, playing defensively till the 12th over of the day when Babar was introduced into the attack and with his first delivery bowled the nightwatchman.
Duminy, who hit 57 in South Africa's first innings of 249, could survive just five deliveries before he was trapped leg-before by Khan, leaving South Africa tottering at 109-6.
De Villiers brought up his 33rd Test half-century with a big six off Babar. He has so far hit four boundaries and six off 106 balls.
The second and final Test will be played in Dubai from October 23.
COMMENTS (24)
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1731066431-0/Untitled-design-(27)1731066431-0-270x192.webp "if bcci has any concerns they should talk to us pcb chief")
@Last Word
@ET Why did you not publish India’s notable win against Australia in second ODI at Jaipur where India chased the second ever biggest target 359 losing only one wicket with six overs to spare. The first ODI was reported by you with a heading ‘Australia thrashes India’. This is least expected from ET which has a huge following in India.
Dear Last Word, there is a good reason why this Indian win was not reported. It was a fixed match in favour of India, while the Australians winning the first ODI was prim and proper. And if you don't believe me, just ask
@antanu
Congratulations to Pakistan on this great win. @ET Why did you not publish India's notable win against Australia in second ODI at Jaipur where India chased the second ever biggest target 359 losing only one wicket with six overs to spare. The first ODI was reported by you with a heading 'Australia thrashes India'. This is least expected from ET which has a huge following in India.
@Doubting Thomas: yes....and ofcourse Australian players too who lost ODI against India
@Dr Dang: and you fixed it...? ET please post comments on sports columns of those only who have sporting spirits... please
I had always believed that Pakistan cricket is fortunate to have such a sensible captain who has the brains to apply himself and play according to the situation. He's the only player in the team who puts a price for his wicket; others just throw it away cheaply or score only in their comeback matches. Thank you Misbah for doubling the joy of our Eid. We are proud of you!
Another fixed match. ICC should investigate South African players.
@Ali: yes...just like Australia fixed the ODI against India....its a shame that you can not appreciate a victory by Pakistan.
I couldn't believe the jitters on the part of the fans. People thought Pakistan wouldn't be able to make 40 runs in the last innings.
Congratulations all around.
It's a really nice victory for Pak. Keep it up boys. Specialy Misbah was grt through out the match. He has proven himself again. I'm very happy for him because I am a big fan of him and always defend him when ever he is critisized by any one infront of me...
@Ali: so you wanted Pakistan to loose? You ediots do know nothing about cricket so what's about Austrailia loosing so badly from Eng?
Match Fixed !
@Zaid Hamid: Actually it's India which itself is a mockery of the whole cricket!
Congratulations to the Pakistan team, captain Misbah, the openers and the brilliant bowlers. Congratulations to the teams millions of supporters.
Congrats to team Pakistan and its fans all around the globe on this landmark victory :D ICC ranking is just a hoax thesedays. Number 1 rank has just turned out to be a funny joke. They either have to take into consideration all factors including home conditions and oppositions or to discontinue it totally.
Well done....this is no mean feat.
Congrats Pakistan
Pakistan never makes it easy. For a second it looked as if they won’t be able to reach the target. But nevertheless, I am glad they did. I would’ve preferred U. Akmal in the team instead of Asad Shafiq, but at least, he finally scored some runs. I have no doubt that S. Africa will come back strong. We must be aggressive and positive. We cannot go for a draw and be passive. We must believe that we can beat them in the next match as well.
Ali Khan
Hearty Congratulations to the men in Green, for a superb victory. The team must keep improving and be consistent to conquer greater heights. Three Cheers !
Pakistan made mockery of test ranking.
Misbah, you are great! Go for a whitewash, now!