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Pakistan terminated world champions South Africa's winning streak by sealing a 93-run margin triumph in an exciting and hard-fought first Test in Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-Test unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in a win against the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, they lost century-maker De Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the finely-poised chase in Pakistan's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed 10-191 in the game, dismissed Tristan Stubbs for two and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of sharp turn to end opener Ryan Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen came back in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a fine display of reverse swing.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne lbw for nineteen and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to secure the win.

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into the number two spot behind leaders the Australian team.

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

After that slow bowlers Noman and Sajid took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they had in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to sustain their lead.

The next and last match starts on 20 October.