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The national team terminated the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin victory in an thrilling and closely contested first Test in Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-Test unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 chasing 277.

Starting the day on 51-2, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the finely-poised chase in the home team's favor.

Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who secured 10-191 in the game, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of sharp turn to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 balls for 45 - and Shaheen came back in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

He had Verreynne lbw for nineteen and dismissed Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the win.

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and propels Pakistan straight into the number two spot after table-toppers the Australian team.

Their victory was founded on key performances of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

After that slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they had in their series victory over the English team last year, to maintain their lead.

The second and last match starts on October 20.