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Pakistan brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin win in an thrilling and closely contested opening Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in a win against Australia in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Starting the day on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who took 10-191 in the match, removed Stubbs for two and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of significant spin to terminate opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse-swing bowling.

He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the win.

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

Their victory was built around contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to 378.

From there slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid Khan utilized favourable home conditions, as they had in their Test series win over the English team last year, to maintain their advantage.

The second and last match begins on October 20.