Pakistan ended the opening day of the first Test against South Africa on a strong note, reaching 313 for 5 at stumps in Lahore. The hosts were guided by a composed 93 from opener Imam-ul-Haq, with crucial contributions from Shan Masood and a solid unbeaten partnership between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha ensuring Pakistan maintained control after some mid-innings stumbles.
Opting to bat first on a flat surface, Pakistan got off to a shaky start when Abdullah Shafique fell early, trapped leg-before by Kagiso Rabada. The wicket brought together Imam and Shan Masood, who combined resilience with intent in a commanding 161-run stand for the second wicket. Imam looked technically assured, patient against the new ball, and assertive against spin, while Masood’s strokeplay through the off-side added momentum to the innings.
The partnership laid the ideal platform, taking Pakistan comfortably through the first two sessions. However, South Africa found a way back into the contest in the final session. Masood, on 76, was trapped by spinner Prenelan Subrayen after missing a sweep shot, breaking the vital stand. Soon after, Imam fell agonisingly short of what would have been a deserved century — caught at short leg off Senuran Muthusamy for 93. His dismissal triggered a brief wobble, with Babar Azam and Saud Shakeel both departing cheaply.
At 199 for 4, Pakistan were at risk of squandering their advantage. But Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha steadied the ship with a mature, unbroken stand of 114 runs for the sixth wicket. Rizwan, continuing his fine Test form, mixed solid defence with smart rotation of strike, reaching his half-century with a deft late cut. Salman complemented him with controlled aggression, confidently handling South Africa’s spinners and keeping the scoreboard moving.
By stumps, Rizwan was unbeaten on 62 and Salman on 52, ensuring Pakistan regained complete control of the day. Their partnership showcased patience, composure, and the ability to capitalise on tiring bowlers late in the day.
For South Africa, the heavy reliance on spin was evident — 75 of the 90 overs were bowled by their spinners, led by Muthusamy and Simon Harmer. Both extracted some turn and bounce as the day progressed, suggesting the pitch could deteriorate quickly in the coming days. Muthusamy finished with two wickets, while Harmer and Subrayen chipped in with one each. Rabada’s early strike was South Africa’s lone success among the pacers, as reverse swing was hard to generate on a slow surface.
Pakistan’s approach reflected discipline and tactical awareness, especially in the way they navigated periods of pressure without panic. The home side’s first-day total has put them in a strong position to push past 400 on Day 2. With Rizwan and Salman settled, and the tail capable of chipping in, Pakistan will aim to build a commanding first-innings lead.
South Africa, meanwhile, must strike early in the morning session to stay competitive. The second day will test their patience and bowling depth — and could well decide the momentum of this Test.
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