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The national team terminated world champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin victory in an exciting and hard-fought opening Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, who had a 10-match winning streak in the longest format culminated in a win against Australia in the WTC final in June, were dismissed for 183 chasing 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of first-innings centurion De Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the finely-poised chase in Pakistan's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman, who secured 10-191 in the match, dismissed Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of sharp turn to terminate opening batsman Ryan Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to secure the win.

It was each team's first match of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and propels Pakistan directly into the number two spot after table-toppers Australia.

The win was founded on contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there spinners Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they did in their series victory over the English team last year, to maintain their advantage.

The next and final Test begins on 20 October.