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Pakistan brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by completing a 93-run margin win in an thrilling and competitive opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-match winning streak in the longest format culminated in a win against 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 left-arm quick Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the tightly balanced chase in the home team's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who secured 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a run-a-ball 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse-swing bowling.

He had Kyle Verreynne leg before for nineteen and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to seal the victory.

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into the number two spot behind table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was built around key performances of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, all-rounder Salman Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

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

The second and final Test starts on October 20.