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Pakistan halted world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run win in an thrilling and closely contested first Test in the city of Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-Test winning streak in the longest format ended with victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, they lost century-maker Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the finely-poised run chase in the home team's favour.

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

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on sharp turn to end opening batsman Ryan Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Shaheen came back in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse swing.

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

It was each team's first match of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into the number two spot behind leaders the Australian team.

Their victory was founded on contributions of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, number seven Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they did in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to sustain their advantage.

The second and last match starts on October 20.