Special Correspondent
Pakistan captain Shan Masood led from the front with a composed 87-run knock, but fell short of a seventh Test century as Pakistan closed the opening day of the second Test against South Africa at 259 for five in 91 overs at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Electing to bat first on a pitch offering turn from early on, Pakistan handed a debut to left-arm spinner Asif Afridi, who at 38 years and 299 days, became the second-oldest Test debutant for the country after Miran Bakhsh. The hosts opened with Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq, who added 35 runs before Imam was bowled by Simon Harmer for 17 in the 13th over.
Shan Masood joined Abdullah and the pair steadied the innings, navigating through the morning session and building a 111-run stand for the second wicket. Abdullah’s gritty 57 off 146 balls ended just before tea, caught behind off Harmer. Babar Azam, still searching for a century after 29 innings, managed 16 runs before falling to Keshav Maharaj, who returned to the side after injury.
Masood, dropped on 71 by Maharaj, looked set for a milestone but was dismissed for 87 off 176 balls, including three sixes and two fours, as South Africa took the second new ball. Mohammad Rizwan added 19 before being removed by Kagiso Rabada.
At stumps, Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 42, while Salman Ali Agha was on 10, with Pakistan looking to build on a solid foundation. South Africa’s spinners shared the spoils, with Harmer (2-75) and Maharaj (2-63) exploiting the conditions, though their efforts were marred by multiple dropped chances, including three reprieves for Shafique.
Pakistan’s decision to bolster their spin attack by including Afridi and dropping Hasan Ali reflected the surface’s nature, while South Africa opted for a similar balance with three spinners and two pacers.
With Pakistan already leading the series 1–0 after their win in Lahore, the Rawalpindi Test promises further intrigue as both sides look to assert control in spin-friendly conditions.
