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Pakistan halted world champions South Africa's winning streak by sealing a 93-run margin triumph in an entertaining and hard-fought first Test in the city of Lahore.

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

Having resumed on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the tightly balanced chase in Pakistan's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who took 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a run-a-ball 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opener Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

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

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into second place after leaders Australia.

Their victory was founded on contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam and, crucially, number seven Salman Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there spinners Noman and Sajid utilized favourable home conditions, as they did in their Test series win over England the previous year, to maintain their lead.

The second and final Test starts on October 20.