Pakistan Ends South Africa's 10-Test Unbeaten Run.
The left-arm pacer claimed four wickets in the second innings following failing to take a wicket in the first innings.
First Test, the Gaddafi Stadium (the fourth day)
Pakistan 378 (Imam 93, Agha 93; Senuran Muthusamy 6-117) & 167 (Babar Azam 42; Muthusamy 5-57)
South Africa 269 (De Zorzi 104; Noman Ali 6-112) & 183 (Dewald Brevis 54; Shaheen Afridi 4-33, Noman Ali 4-79)
Pakistan won by 93 runs
Pakistan halted world champions South Africa's unbeaten run by achieving a 93-run win in an entertaining and competitive opening Test in the city of Lahore.
South Africa, whose 10-Test unbeaten run in Test cricket culminated in 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 51-2, they lost century-maker Tony de Zorzi lbw to left-arm quick Afridi to the third ball of the day to shift the finely-poised chase in the home team's favor.
Slow left-armer Noman Ali, who took 10-191 in the match, removed Tristan Stubbs for two and bowled Dewald Brevis, who offered some resistance with a run-a-ball 54.
Off-spinner Sajid also took advantage of sharp turn to end opening batsman Rickelton's innings - he faced 145 deliveries for 45 runs - and Shaheen returned in the afternoon session to knock over the lower order with a fine display of reverse swing.
He had Verreynne lbw for 19 and bowled Subrayen and Kagiso Rabada to seal the victory.
It was both sides' first match of the 2025-27 World Test Championship cycle and propels Pakistan straight into the number two spot after leaders Australia.
The win was built around contributions of ninety-three by opener Imam-ul-Haq and, crucially, all-rounder Agha which boosted them to 378.
After that slow bowlers Noman Ali and Sajid took advantage of helpful home pitches, as they did in their series victory over the English team last year, to sustain their advantage.
The next and final Test starts on October 20.
