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The national team halted the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by completing a 93-run margin triumph in an entertaining and hard-fought first Test in Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-Test winning streak in Test cricket ended with victory over Australia in the WTC final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the tightly balanced chase in the home team's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who secured 10-191 in the match, dismissed Stubbs for 2 and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opener Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 - and Afridi came back in the post-lunch session to dismiss the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

He trapped Verreynne lbw for 19 and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the win.

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into second place after table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was built around key performances of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, crucially, number seven Agha which boosted them to 378.

After that slow bowlers Noman and Sajid utilized favourable home conditions, as they had in their Test series win over England last year, to sustain their lead.

The second and last match begins on 20 October.