South Africa suffered a seven-wicket defeat in the first Test against Pakistan at the National Stadium in Karachi on Friday (January 29).

The visitors got bowled out for 220 and 245 across the two innings while Pakistan took a massive first-innings lead of 158 runs.

Chasing 88 in the fourth innings, the hosts rode on Azhar Ali’s unbeaten 31 and skipper Babar Azam’s 30 to overhaul the target quite comfortably.

Reflecting on the loss, South Africa skipper Quinton de Kock rued tourists’ dismal batting performance in the first innings.

"I think our first innings (cost us the game). That was a big reason for our loss. I don't think we took too long to adjust. We practiced enough here but I think we were a bit soft," De Kock said after the game.

South Africa were 187/4 at stumps on Day 3, but their second innings collapsed in the first session on Day 4. Opener Aiden Markram was the top-scorer with 74 while Rassie van der Dussen made 64.

Debutant Nauman Ali was the stand-out bowler for Pakistan, claiming 5 wickets by conceding 35 runs in his 25.3 overs. Veteran leg-spinner Yasir Shah also picked up 4 wickets in South Africa’s second essay.

"We saw Markram (Aiden) and Rassie (Rassie van der Dussen) in the second innings play well. Just a few soft dismissals. I think going into Rawalpindi, we learnt about these kinds of surfaces. Our bowlers bowled well, with great aggression and accuracy. Just that Pakistan team batted really well against us," De Kock stated.

The second Test will be played in Rawalpindi from February 4.

(With ANI inputs)