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The national team brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by achieving a 93-run margin win in an exciting and hard-fought opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-Test unbeaten run in Test cricket ended with a win against the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Starting the day on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who secured 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and clean bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also capitalized on sharp turn to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi came back in the afternoon session to dismiss the tail with a fine display of reverse swing.

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

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into second place after table-toppers the Australian team.

Their victory was built around key performances of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

After that spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they did in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to maintain their lead.

The next and final Test begins on 20 October.