Rawalpindi, October 20, 2025: South Africa clawed their way back into contention on the opening day of the second Test as Pakistan finished at 259 for 5 in 91 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday.
After a strong start from the hosts, the Proteas spinners and pacers struck crucial blows in the final session to restrict Pakistan’s progress.
Resuming at 177-3 after tea, captain Shan Masood and Saud Shakeel continued to build steadily, adding 45 runs for the fourth wicket before Keshav Maharaj dismissed Masood for a well-made 87 off 176 balls, featuring two fours and three sixes. Pakistan slipped to 212-4 in the 74th over.
Mohammad Rizwan then joined Saud but could manage only 19 off 39 deliveries before falling to Kagiso Rabada, leaving Pakistan five down.
At stumps, Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 42 off 105 balls, with Salman Ali Agha not out on 10, as Pakistan looked to consolidate their innings on day two.
For South Africa, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj took two wickets each, while Rabada claimed one.
Earlier, Pakistan made a confident start after opting to bat first, with openers Imam-ul-Haq and Abdullah Shafique adding 35 runs for the opening wicket. Imam was the first to fall, bowled by Harmer for 17 off 35 balls.
Shafique was joined by Shan Masood, and the pair built a solid partnership, adding 111 runs for the second wicket. Both batters registered fifties — Masood his 13th Test half-century and Shafique his sixth — before Harmer removed Shafique for 57 off 146 balls.
Skipper Masood and Babar Azam added 21 runs before Maharaj dismissed Babar for 16, leaving Pakistan at 167-3.
Despite losing wickets in the latter part of the day, Pakistan’s top order provided a strong foundation, while South Africa’s spinners ensured the contest remained finely balanced heading into day two.
