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The national team terminated the reigning champions South Africa's winning streak by sealing a 93-run victory in an thrilling and closely contested opening Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket ended with a win against Australia in the WTC final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Starting the day 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 delivery of the day to shift the finely-poised run chase in Pakistan's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman, who took 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, dismissed Stubbs for 2 and bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a run-a-ball 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also capitalized on sharp turn to end opening batsman Ryan Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne leg before for nineteen and bowled Subrayen and Rabada to seal the win.

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan straight into the number two spot after table-toppers Australia.

Their victory was built around key performances of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, number seven Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

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

The second and last match starts on October 20.