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The national team terminated the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run win in an entertaining and competitive opening Test in Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-match winning streak in Test cricket culminated in victory over Australia in the WTC final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

Starting the day on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.

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

Off-spinner Sajid also took advantage of sharp turn to end opener Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne leg before for 19 and dismissed Subrayen and Rabada to secure the victory.

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and propels the hosts straight into the number two spot after leaders Australia.

Their victory was founded on contributions of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, all-rounder Salman Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

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

The next and final Test begins on October 20.