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The national team terminated world champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin triumph in an exciting and hard-fought opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in victory over Australia in the WTC final in June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

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

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

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of sharp turn to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 - and Shaheen returned in the post-lunch session to dismiss the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He had Verreynne leg before for nineteen and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the win.

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and propels the hosts directly into second place behind leaders Australia.

Their victory was built around key performances of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq 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 did in their series victory over England last year, to sustain their lead.

The second and last match begins on October 20.