Pakistan Stops the Proteas' 10-Test Victory Run.
Shaheen Afridi claimed four wickets in the final innings following failing to take a wicket in the initial session.
Opening Test, the Gaddafi Stadium (day four)
Pakistan 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar Azam 42; the spinner 5-57)
South Africa 269 (Tony de Zorzi 104; Noman 6-112) & 183 (Dewald Brevis 54; Shaheen 4-33, Noman 4-79)
Pakistan won by 93 runs
The national team halted the reigning champions the Proteas' winning streak by sealing a 93-run margin triumph in an entertaining and competitive first Test in the city of Lahore.
South Africa, who had a 10-match unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in victory over Australia in the WTC final in the month of June, were bowled out for 183 chasing 277.
Having resumed on 51-2, they lost first-innings centurion De Zorzi leg before wicket to pace bowler Shaheen Afridi to the third delivery of the day to push the finely-poised chase in Pakistan's favor.
Left-arm spinner Noman, who took 10 wickets for 191 runs in the game, dismissed Tristan Stubbs for 2 and bowled Brevis, who offered some resistance with a rapid 54.
Right-arm spinner Sajid also capitalized on significant spin to terminate opener Rickelton's innings - he lasted 145 balls for 45 runs - and Shaheen came back in the post-lunch session to knock over the lower order with a impressive exhibition of reverse swing.
He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Prenelan Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to secure the victory.
It was each team's first match of the 2025-27 Test championship cycle and propels the hosts straight into the number two spot behind leaders Australia.
Their victory was built around key performances of ninety-three by opening batsman Imam and, importantly, number seven Salman Agha which lifted them to 378.
From there slow bowlers Noman and Sajid Khan took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they did in their series victory over England last year, to maintain their advantage.
The second and final Test starts on 20 October.