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The national team halted world champions the Proteas' winning streak by completing a 93-run margin win in an thrilling and closely contested opening 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 June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they lost century-maker Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman, who secured 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, removed Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Off-spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of sharp turn to terminate opener Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.

He had Kyle Verreynne lbw for nineteen and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Rabada to seal the victory.

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into the number two spot after table-toppers Australia.

Their victory was built around contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

After that spinners Noman and Sajid Khan took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they had in their Test series win over the English team last year, to sustain their advantage.

The next and final Test starts on October 20.