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Pakistan terminated world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin triumph in an exciting and competitive opening Test in the city of Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-Test unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the finely-poised run chase in the home team's favor.

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

Off-spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to end opener Ryan Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the tail with a fine display of reverse swing.

He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and dismissed Subrayen and Rabada to secure the win.

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

The win was built around contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam and, crucially, number seven Salman Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

After that slow bowlers Noman and Sajid Khan utilized 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 begins on 20 October.