RAWALPINDI: Pakistan made a confident start on the opening day of the second and final Test against South Africa, reaching 95-1 at lunch at the Rawalpindi Stadium on Monday. After winning the toss on a spin-friendly pitch, the hosts capitalized on early momentum through skipper Shan Masood and opener Abdullah Shafique.
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Masood, batting with authority, remained unbeaten on 38 at the interval, while Shafique was on 37 after surviving a few close chances early in his innings. Their steady 60-run partnership for the second wicket helped Pakistan build a strong platform after the early loss of Imam-ul-Haq.
Imam was dismissed for 17 by off-spinner Simon Harmer, who delivered a sharp turner that beat the bat and clipped the off-stump. That wicket provided South Africa their only breakthrough of the session, as Pakistan’s top order remained composed despite the slow, turning surface.
Fast bowler Kagiso Rabada found some swing with the new ball but was left frustrated when Tristan Stubbs dropped Shafique in the slips off just the fourth delivery of the match — a costly miss that allowed the opener to settle in.
Masood batted aggressively, displaying intent from the start. The left-hander struck three sixes and a boundary, taking the attack to the South African bowlers. Shafique, more cautious in his approach, played with discipline while occasionally finding the gaps with four boundaries.
Pakistan, who lead the two-match series 1-0 after a commanding 93-run victory in Lahore, made one change to their lineup by adding an extra spinner. Asif Afridi was handed his Test debut, replacing fast bowler Hasan Ali to strengthen the spin department.
At 38 years and 299 days, Asif became the second oldest player to make a Test debut for Pakistan, a rare milestone that highlights his perseverance. The oldest remains Miran Bakhsh, who debuted at 47 years and 284 days against India in 1955.
South Africa, aiming to bounce back and level the series, made two changes of their own. Experienced spinner Keshav Maharaj returned to the side after recovering from injury, while Marco Jansen joined the pace attack to support Rabada.
With Pakistan looking well set at lunch and their batsmen handling both pace and spin comfortably, the match appears poised for another gripping contest. The afternoon session will be crucial as South Africa search for quick wickets, while Pakistan aim to turn their solid start into a commanding first-innings total.
