MADRAS, India, Jan 31 (AFP) - Pakistan withstood a magnificent century by India's champion batsman Sachin Tendulkar to win the first cricket Test by 12 runs in a dramatic finish here on Sunday.

Tendulkar hit 136 as India, chasing a victory target of 271, recovered from a hopeless 82-5 to put up a brave fight and reach 254-6 before losing their last four wickets for as many runs.

Off-spinner Saqlain Mushtaq, who took five wickets in each innings, signalled Pakistan's victory in their first Test on Indian soil in 12 years by bowling Javagal Srinath before stumps on the fourth day.

Some 45,000 spectators at the overflowing Chepauk and millions of TV viewers across the country watched in horror as India set up a dream finish only to stumble at the last hurdle.

The match turned Pakistan's way when Tendulkar, suffering from back pain and visibly tired after his seven-hour vigil, lofted Saqlain for an easy catch to mid-off when 17 more were needed.

His wicket, which made it 254-7, lifted the spirits of Wasim Akram's men, who then removed tailenders Sunil Joshi, Anil Kumble and Srinath in quick succession to bowl India out for 258.

The jubilant Pakistanis hugged each other, kissed the turf and then ran a lap of honour around the ground to loud applause from the crowd as Mohammad Azharuddin's men pondered the defeat.

Except Tendulkar and Nayan Mongia, who made 52 in a 136-run stand for the sixth wicket, the rest of the Indian batsmen aggregated a measely 34 -- two less than the total extras of 36.

``We batted badly except for these two, but full marks to Pakistan for playing better cricket in what was a fascinating match,'' said Azharuddin, who received loud jeers from the stands.

Akram said he had realised a dream of leading Pakistan to victory on Indian soil, and now looked forward to the second and final Test of the short series starting in New Delhi on Thursday.

``We want to win there too, because it has been a long time playing against India,'' he said ``The boys are hungry for more.''

The last time Pakistan played a Test in India was in March 1987, which Imran Khan's tourists won by 17 runs at Bangalore to take the five-match series 1-0.

Tendulkar's 18th Test century -- he also has 21 one-day hundreds -- came after wicket-keeper Moin Khan missed an easy stumping when the little master was on 90.

The error almost cost Pakistan the match, till Saqlain and Akram himself revived the tourists with deadly blows late in the day.

Tendulkar, who was dismissed for zero in the first innings attempting a wild swipe, put his head down to single-handedly keep India afloat.

India managed just 46 runs from 26 overs during the tense morning session when Pakistan grabbed three important wickets.

Tendulkar scored 24 of those runs after taking a four of the first ball he faced in the day. He ended with 18 boundaries.

The Indians added 10 runs to their overnight score of 40-2 when Akram clipped Rahul Dravid's off-bail with a superb inswinger.

Dravid, India's batting hero on the recent New Zealand tour, made 10 in a 44-run stand for the third wicket with Tendulkar that came after both openers were lost on Saturday evening for six.

Azharuddin, who made seven, paid the price for padding up to spinner Saqlain and was declared leg-before by New Zealand umpire Steve Dunne.

Dunne, whose controversial decisions marred a brilliant Test match, created another stir when he gave next batsman Saurav Ganguly caught off the rebound by wicket-keeper Moin.

Television replays showed Ganguly's forward defensive stroke hit the silly-point fielder and the ball dropped to the ground before being held by Moin.