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Pakistan halted the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by sealing a 93-run margin victory in an thrilling and closely contested first Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-Test winning streak in the longest format ended with victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the finely-poised run chase in the home team's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who secured 10-191 in the game, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid also took advantage of sharp turn to end opener Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Afridi came back in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

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

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and moves the hosts straight into second place behind table-toppers the Australian team.

The win was built around key performances of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

After that spinners Noman and Sajid Khan utilized favourable home conditions, as they had in their Test series win over England the previous year, to maintain their lead.

The next and final Test begins on 20 October.