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Pakistan halted the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by completing a 93-run triumph in an thrilling and closely contested opening Test in the city of Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-Test winning streak in Test cricket ended with victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Starting the day on 51-2, they lost first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the finely-poised chase in the home team's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman, who took 10-191 in the game, dismissed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a run-a-ball 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opening batsman Ryan Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse-swing bowling.

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

It was each team's first match of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into the number two spot behind table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was founded on key performances of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, all-rounder Salman Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid utilized helpful home pitches, as they had in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to maintain their advantage.

The second and final Test begins on October 20.