🔗 Share this article

The national team terminated world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run victory in an thrilling and competitive first Test in the city of Lahore.

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

Having resumed on 51 for two, they lost first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the finely-poised chase in Pakistan's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who secured 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, removed Stubbs for two and bowled Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to end opener 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.

He trapped Verreynne leg before for 19 and dismissed Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and moves the hosts straight into second place after table-toppers the Australian team.

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

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

The next and final Test starts on October 20.