Pakistan Stops the Proteas' 10-Test Victory Run.
Shaheen Afridi secured four wickets in the final innings following failing to take a wicket in the first session.
Opening Test, Lahore (the fourth day)
Pakistan 378 (Imam-ul-Haq 93, Agha 93; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar 42; the spinner 5-57)
South Africa 269 (De Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Dewald Brevis 54; Shaheen Afridi 4-33, Noman 4-79)
The hosts secured a 93-run victory
Pakistan halted the reigning champions South Africa's unbeaten run by sealing a 93-run win in an entertaining and hard-fought opening Test in Lahore.
South Africa, who had a 10-Test winning streak in the longest format culminated in a win against Australia in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 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 run chase in the home team's favor.
Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who took 10-191 in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.
Off-spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of significant spin to terminate opening batsman Rickelton's stay - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen came back in the post-lunch session to knock over the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.
He trapped Verreynne lbw for 19 and dismissed Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the win.
It was both sides' opening game of the 2025-2027 World Test Championship cycle and moves Pakistan directly into second place after table-toppers Australia.
The win was founded on contributions of 93 by opener Imam and, crucially, number seven Agha which boosted them to 378.
After that spinners Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they had in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to maintain their advantage.
The next and last match starts on October 20.
