🔗 Share this article

Pakistan terminated world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by completing a 93-run margin win in an thrilling and closely contested first Test in the city of Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in a win against the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.

Starting the day on 51-2, they lost century-maker De Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the finely-poised run chase in Pakistan's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman, who claimed 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opener Ryan Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse swing.

He had Kyle Verreynne leg before for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Rabada to seal the win.

It was each team's first match of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan straight into the number two spot behind table-toppers the Australian team.

Their victory was built around key performances of 93 by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

From there slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they did in their series victory over England the previous year, to sustain their advantage.

The second and last match begins on 20 October.