🔗 Share this article

Pakistan brought an end to the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by completing a 93-run triumph in an entertaining and competitive opening Test in Lahore.

The Proteas, who had a 10-match winning streak in the longest format ended with victory over Australia in the World Test Championship final in the month of June, were dismissed for 183 in pursuit of 277.

Having resumed on 51 for two, they lost century-maker De Zorzi lbw to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the tightly balanced run chase in Pakistan's favor.

Left-arm spinner Noman Ali, who took 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, removed Stubbs for 2 and clean bowled Dewald Brevis, who put up a fight with a rapid 54.

Off-spinner Sajid also took advantage of significant spin to terminate opener Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen returned in the post-lunch session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse swing.

He trapped Kyle Verreynne lbw for nineteen and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the win.

It was each team's first match of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and moves the hosts directly into second place after leaders the Australian team.

Their victory was founded on key performances of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, crucially, all-rounder Salman Agha which boosted them to 378.

After that slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid Khan took advantage of favourable home conditions, as they had in their series victory over the English team the previous year, to sustain their lead.

The second and last match begins on October 20.