Pakistan Halts South Africa's 10-Test Victory Run.
Shaheen Afridi took a quartet of wickets in the second innings after failing to take a wicket in the initial innings.
First Test, Lahore (the fourth day)
The home side 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar Azam 42; Muthusamy 5-57)
The visitors 269 (Tony de Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Brevis 54; Shaheen Afridi 4-33, Noman 4-79)
Pakistan won by 93 runs
Pakistan brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' unbeaten run by completing a 93-run win in an exciting and competitive opening Test in Lahore.
South Africa, whose 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket ended with a win against Australia in the WTC 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 Tony de Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Afridi to the third ball of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in the home team's favor.
Left-arm spinner Noman, who secured 10-191 in the game, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.
Right-arm spinner Sajid Khan also took advantage of sharp turn to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Afridi returned in the afternoon session to dismiss the tail with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.
He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.
It was both sides' first match of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and propels the hosts straight into second place after leaders Australia.
The win was founded on key performances of 93 by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, importantly, all-rounder Agha which lifted them to three hundred and seventy-eight.
After that spinners Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they did in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to maintain their lead.
The next and last match begins on 20 October.
