Pakistan Stops South Africa's 10-Test Winning Streak.
Shaheen Afridi secured four wickets in the second innings following going wicketless in the first innings.
First Test, Lahore (the fourth day)
The home side 378 (Imam-ul-Haq 93, Agha 93; Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar 42; Muthusamy 5-57)
South Africa 269 (Tony de Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Dewald Brevis 54; Shaheen Afridi 4-33, Noman 4-79)
Pakistan won by 93 runs
Pakistan terminated world champions the Proteas' winning streak by sealing a 93-run victory in an thrilling and competitive first Test in the city of Lahore.
The Proteas, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.
Starting the day on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the tightly balanced chase in the home team's favor.
Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who claimed 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to end opener Rickelton's stay - he faced 145 balls for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the tail with a fine display of reverse-swing bowling.
He trapped Verreynne lbw for nineteen and dismissed Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the win.
It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and propels the hosts straight into the number two spot behind table-toppers the Australian team.
The win was founded on key performances of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, number seven Agha which boosted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.
From there spinners Noman and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they did in their Test series win over the English team last year, to sustain their lead.
The next and final Test starts on October 20.