Pakistan put up a solid batting display on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa, finishing at 313 for five at stumps at the Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Captain Shan Masood’s decision to bat first after winning the toss proved justified as his side posted a strong total, led by valuable contributions from the top and middle order.
Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq started Pakistan’s innings, but the beginning was far from ideal.
Abdullah Shafique fell early for just two runs, leaving Pakistan one down with little on the board.
However, Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood steadied the innings with a composed and well-judged partnership, playing responsibly against the disciplined South African pace attack.
The pair took the total to 163 before skipper Shan Masood was dismissed after a fluent 76, which included several crisp boundaries.
Imam continued to anchor the innings and seemed poised for a century, but he was dismissed for 93 after a well-crafted knock that featured patience and control.
His departure triggered a brief collapse for Pakistan, as Saud Shakeel was dismissed without scoring on the very next delivery, followed by star batter Babar Azam, who made 23 before falling with the score still at 199.
With the hosts in trouble at 199 for four, wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan and all-rounder Agha Salman came to the rescue. The duo batted with confidence and maturity, adding 114 valuable runs for the unbroken sixth-wicket partnership.
Rizwan reached 62 not out, while Agha Salman remained unbeaten on 52 as Pakistan regained control late in the day.
At the close of play, Pakistan were 313 for five, with Rizwan and Agha Salman set to continue their partnership on the second morning.
Earlier, at the toss, Shan Masood said his team would look to capitalize on home conditions, while South African captain Aiden Markram remarked that his side had experience playing in similar environments and would aim to dismiss Pakistan cheaply.
The day ultimately belonged to Pakistan’s middle order, whose composed resistance ensured the home side ended the first day in a commanding position in the two-Test series opener.
Speaking at the toss, Captain Shan Masood said the match marked an important challenge for his side against one of the strongest Test teams in the world.
He further said that the squad wanted to use Lahore’s historically spin-friendly pitches to their advantage. “We want to capitalize on the conditions and set a good total to put pressure on South Africa,” he added.
“We’re going to bat first. We have two quality spinners who can do the job for us, and Salman Ali Agha can roll his arm over as well,” Masood said, adding, “If there’s some help from the surface — whether cracks or reverse swing — we’re well covered in the seam department too. It’s a huge opportunity for us to test ourselves against the World Test Champions and showcase our skills.”
Shan further said the match would test Pakistan’s depth and adaptability at a newly refurbished venue.
He was of the view that the stadium was new. "We don’t know exactly how it will play out, but it’s exciting to be part of something fresh,” he said.
South African skipper Aiden Markram, on the other hand, admitted his team was without two key players but added that the squad remained confident.
“We’ll definitely miss them, but it’s an opportunity for others to step up and deliver,” Markram said.
Pakistan Playing XI
Shan Masood (C)
Abdullah Shafique
Imam-ul-Haq
Babar Azam
Salman Ali Agha
Mohammad Rizwan (WK)
Saud Shakeel
Sajid Khan
Shaheen Shah Afridi
Noman Ali
Hasan Ali
South Africa Playing XI
Aiden Markram (C)
Ryan Rickelton
Wiaan Mulder
Tony de Zorzi
Tristan Stubbs
Dewald Brevis
Kyle Verreynne (WK)
Senuran Muthusamy
Simon Harmer
Kagiso Rabada
Prenelan Subrayen
Reporter: Hafiz Shehbaz Ali