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The national team brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by sealing a 93-run victory in an exciting and competitive opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format ended with a win against Australia in the WTC final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 chasing 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, they lost first-innings centurion De Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favor.

Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who claimed 10-191 in the game, dismissed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also capitalized on sharp turn to terminate opener Ryan Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse swing.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne leg before for 19 and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to seal the victory.

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts straight into second place after table-toppers the Australian team.

Their victory was built around contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

After that spinners Noman and Sajid Khan took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they had in their Test series win over England the previous year, to maintain their advantage.

The next and last match starts on 20 October.