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The national team terminated the reigning champions South Africa's unbeaten run by sealing a 93-run margin triumph in an exciting and competitive first Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-Test unbeaten run in the longest format culminated in a win against Australia in the WTC 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 pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the finely-poised chase in Pakistan's favour.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who claimed 10-191 in the game, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to end opener Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Shaheen came back in the post-lunch session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse swing.

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

It was each team's first match of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into the number two spot after leaders Australia.

Their victory was founded on contributions of 93 by opener Imam and, importantly, number seven Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.

From there spinners Noman Ali and Sajid utilized favourable home conditions, as they did in their Test series win over the English team last year, to sustain their advantage.

The second and final Test begins on October 20.