🔗 Share this article

Pakistan halted world champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run margin triumph in an thrilling and closely contested opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-Test winning streak in Test cricket ended with victory over the Aussies in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they saw the dismissal of century-maker De Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Afridi to the third delivery of the day to shift the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favour.

Slow left-armer Noman, who took 10 wickets for 191 runs in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid also capitalized on sharp turn to end opening batsman Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 - and Shaheen came back in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.

He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.

It was each team's opening game of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and moves the hosts straight into the number two spot behind table-toppers the Australian team.

Their victory was founded on key performances of 93 by opening batsman Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, all-rounder Salman Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there spinners Noman and Sajid Khan utilized helpful home pitches, as they had in their series victory over England the previous year, to sustain their advantage.

The next and final Test starts on October 20.