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The national team terminated world champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by completing a 93-run victory in an entertaining and closely contested opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-match winning streak in Test cricket ended with victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Starting the day on 51-2, they lost 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 chase in Pakistan's favour.

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

Right-arm spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 - and Shaheen came back in the afternoon session to dismiss the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He had Verreynne leg before for nineteen and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to secure the victory.

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into second place after table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was founded on key performances of 93 by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Agha which lifted them to 378.

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

The second and last match starts on 20 October.