Pakistan finished the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at a strong position, scoring 313 runs for the loss of five wickets at the Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore.
Winning the toss, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood opted to bat first on a flat pitch offering little early assistance to bowlers. However, the hosts got off to a shaky start when Abdullah Shafique fell cheaply, dismissed by Kagiso Rabada on just the third ball of the innings after scoring only two runs.
Following the early setback, Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings with a commanding 161-run partnership for the second wicket. Both batsmen displayed fine stroke play and patience against disciplined South African bowling.
Shan Masood’s promising innings ended at 76 runs, as he was caught trying to play an expansive shot. Shortly before the tea break, Imam-ul-Haq also departed — falling agonizingly short of a well-deserved century when he was caught for 93 runs.
Pakistan suffered a mini-collapse soon after, as Saud Shakeel was dismissed for a first-ball duck, giving the visitors an opening to regain control. Babar Azam, who looked in good touch early on, failed to convert his start and was dismissed for 23 runs, leaving Pakistan at a tricky position.
However, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman came to Pakistan’s rescue with a vital unbeaten 114-run stand for the sixth wicket. Rizwan remained not out on 62, while Agha Salman compiled a steady 52 not out, ensuring Pakistan ended the day on a positive note.
For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy claimed two wickets, while Kagiso Rabada, Prenelan Subrayen, and Simon Harmer picked up one each.
With Rizwan and Salman set at the crease, Pakistan will look to build on their solid platform when play resumes on the second day, hoping to post a commanding first-innings total against the Proteas.
