Pakistan Ends the Proteas' 10-Test Victory Run.
The left-arm pacer claimed a quartet of wickets in the final innings after failing to take a wicket in the initial innings.
First Test, Lahore (day four)
The home side 378 (Imam 93, Salman Agha 93; Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar 42; the spinner 5-57)
The visitors 269 (De Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Dewald Brevis 54; Shaheen Afridi 4-33, Noman Ali 4-79)
Pakistan won by 93 runs
Pakistan terminated the reigning champions South Africa's winning streak by sealing a 93-run margin triumph in an exciting and hard-fought first Test in Lahore.
The Proteas, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in a win against Australia in the World Test Championship final in June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.
Having resumed on 51-2, they lost century-maker De Zorzi leg before wicket to left-arm quick Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the tightly balanced chase in Pakistan's favor.
Left-arm spinner Noman, who claimed 10-191 in the game, dismissed Stubbs for two and bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.
Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opener Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 balls for 45 - and Afridi came back in the afternoon session to dismiss the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse-swing bowling.
He trapped Verreynne lbw for nineteen and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.
It was both sides' first match of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into the number two spot behind table-toppers Australia.
Their victory was built around contributions of 93 by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, number seven Agha which boosted them to 378.
After that slow bowlers Noman and Sajid took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they had in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to maintain their lead.
The second and last match starts on 20 October.
