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Pakistan halted world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by sealing a 93-run triumph in an thrilling and competitive first Test in Lahore.

South Africa, who had a 10-Test winning streak in Test cricket ended with 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 Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the finely-poised chase in the home team's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman, who secured 10-191 in the match, removed Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also took advantage of significant spin to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 - and Afridi returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He had Verreynne leg before for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.

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

Their victory was built around contributions of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, number seven Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

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

The second and final Test begins on October 20.