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The national team terminated the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by achieving a 93-run margin triumph in an thrilling and closely contested opening Test in the city of Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in a win against Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker Tony de Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the finely-poised run chase in Pakistan's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman, who claimed 10-191 in the game, removed Stubbs for two and bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of significant spin to end opener Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 balls for 45 - and Shaheen returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

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

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and propels the hosts straight into second place behind table-toppers Australia.

Their victory was founded on key performances of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, all-rounder Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

After that spinners Noman and Sajid Khan utilized favourable home conditions, as they did in their Test series win over the English team the previous year, to sustain their lead.

The next and last match starts on 20 October.