🔗 Share this article

The national team terminated world champions the Proteas' winning streak by achieving a 93-run win in an thrilling and hard-fought opening Test in the city of Lahore.

South Africa, whose 10-Test winning streak in the longest format ended with victory over the Aussies in the WTC final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51-2, 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 push the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who took 10-191 in the match, removed Stubbs for two and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on sharp turn to terminate opening batsman Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 deliveries for 45 - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse-swing bowling.

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

It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 Test championship cycle and propels Pakistan straight into second place behind table-toppers Australia.

Their victory was founded on contributions of 93 by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which boosted them to 378.

After that slow bowlers Noman and Sajid took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they did in their Test series win over England last year, to sustain their advantage.

The next and last match begins on October 20.