Pakistan handed South Africa their first Test defeat in almost two years and ended their 15-Test unbeaten run after romping to a seven-wicket victory with more than a day to spare in Abu Dhabi on Thursday.

Pakistan, who have a penchant for dramatic collapses, suffered a few jitters as they lost their opening three wickets for a paltry seven runs before overhauling a modest second innings target of 40 to triumph in the first Test at the Sheikh Zayed Stadium.

South Africa, who went top of the Test rankings last year after a series win in England, last lost to Sri Lanka in Durban in Dec. 2011.

For Pakistan, Thursday's win continued their run of upsets of more fancied opposition at their temporary home in the United Arab Emirates. In their last home series they toppled then top-ranked team England in 2012.