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Pakistan terminated world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin victory in an thrilling and closely contested first Test in Lahore.

South Africa, who had a 10-Test winning streak in the longest format ended with victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, they saw the dismissal of first-innings centurion Tony de Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the finely-poised chase in the home team's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who took 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Stubbs for two and clean bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

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

He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to secure the victory.

It was both sides' first match of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and propels the hosts directly into the number two spot behind leaders the Australian team.

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 Ali and Sajid utilized helpful home pitches, as they had in their series victory over the English team last year, to sustain their lead.

The second and final Test begins on October 20.