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The national team halted the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by sealing a 93-run victory in an entertaining and closely contested first Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, whose 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in victory over the Aussies in the WTC final in the month of 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 leg before wicket to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman, who took 10-191 in the game, dismissed Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to end opening batsman Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to dismiss the tail with a fine display of reverse swing.

He trapped Verreynne lbw for nineteen and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the victory.

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

Their victory was founded on key performances of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

After that slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they did in their Test series win over the English team last year, to maintain their advantage.

The next and last match begins on 20 October.