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

The Proteas, who had a 10-match winning streak in Test cricket 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 for two, they lost century-maker De Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favour.

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

Right-arm spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to end opening batsman Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to dismiss the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne lbw for 19 and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the win.

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and propels the hosts directly into second place after leaders Australia.

The win was built around key performances of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there slow bowlers Noman and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they had in their Test series win over the English team last year, to sustain their lead.

The next and final Test begins on 20 October.