Lahore, October 12, 2025: Pakistan recovered from an early setback to finish strongly at 313 for 5 on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday, with Mohammad Rizwan (62)* and Salman Ali Agha (52)* guiding the hosts to a commanding position by stumps.
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan suffered an early jolt when Abdullah Shafique fell leg-before to Kagiso Rabada for just two runs in the very first over.
However, Captain Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq stabilized the innings with a solid 161-run partnership for the second wicket, easing the early pressure. Both batters looked in fine touch — Shan scored a fluent 76 off 147 balls with nine boundaries and a six, while Imam, returning to Test cricket after nearly two years, crafted a classy 93 off 153 deliveries, including seven fours and a six.
The stand was broken when Prenelan Subrayen trapped Shan Masood, and soon after, Senuran Muthusamy struck twice before tea — removing Imam-ul-Haq and Saud Shakeel (0) in quick succession to leave Pakistan at 199-4.
Babar Azam, who became the first Pakistani and eighth overall player to cross 3,000 runs in the ICC World Test Championship, looked promising but was dismissed by Simon Harmer for 23 off 48 balls after the interval.
With Pakistan in need of stability, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha came together to rebuild. The pair added an unbroken 114-run stand for the sixth wicket, displaying patience and authority against the South African spinners in the final session. Rizwan brought up his 12th Test fifty, while Salman notched his 10th, ensuring Pakistan ended the day on a high note.
For South Africa, Muthusamy was the most successful bowler with 2 for 71, while Rabada, Subrayen, and Harmer took one wicket apiece.
The second day’s play will resume on Monday morning, with Pakistan aiming to push beyond 400 and tighten their grip on the match.
