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The national team halted world champions the Proteas' winning streak by sealing a 93-run victory in an thrilling and closely contested opening Test in the city of Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final in 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 lbw to pace bowler Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the finely-poised run chase in the home team's favor.

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

Right-arm spinner Sajid also took advantage of sharp turn to terminate opener Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen came back in the post-lunch session to dismiss the tail with a fine display of reverse swing.

He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into the number two spot after leaders Australia.

Their victory was founded on contributions of 93 by opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and, crucially, number seven Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan utilized favourable home conditions, as they did in their series victory over England last year, to sustain their lead.

The next and final Test begins on 20 October.