Pakistan reach 313-5 at stumps on day-1 against Proteas

By our correspondent
LAHORE: Pakistan wrapped-up the opening day of the first Test against South Africa in a commanding position at 313-5 in 90 overs thanks to composed half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq (93), captain Shan Masood (76), Mohammad Rizwan (62*), and Agha Salman (52*).
At the iconic Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore after opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan navigated a challenging pitch that initially played well but began offering turn for spinners after the first 40 overs. A healthy turnout of spectators added to the atmosphere on a hot Sunday afternoon.
Pakistan had a shaky start when the experienced Kagiso Rabada dismissed Abdullah Shafique (2) in his first over. Although umpire Rod Tucker initially turned down the appeal, South Africa’s successful review overturned the decision. The ball pitched in line and struck Shafique’s back pad, plumb in front.
Captain Shan Masood then joined Imam-ul-Haq, and the pair steadied the innings with a responsible partnership, taking Pakistan to 107-1 at lunch. After the interval, they shifted gears, batting more aggressively. Their 161-run stand for the second wicket laid a solid foundation before off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen broke through, trapping Shan lbw for 76.
Shan, who registered his 12th Test fifty, faced 93 deliveries and struck nine fours and a six. He was given a reprieve on 61 when Tony de Zorzi dropped a sharp chance at short leg.
Babar Azam joined Imam at the crease but had a nervous start. He survived a caught-behind decision via review when replays showed no contact between bat and ball off spinner Senuran Muthusamy.
Imam, who earlier brought up his 10th Test fifty off just 65 balls, looked set for a century before falling to Muthusamy, caught by de Zorzi at short leg for a well-crafted 93 off 153 balls. His innings included seven fours and a six. Imam was also dropped on 72 by Wiaan Mulder off Subrayen, an opportunity South Africa would regret.
Off the very next ball, Muthusamy struck again, removing Saud Shakeel for a golden duck, caught and bowled. At tea, Pakistan were 199-4, and soon after the break, Simon Harmer dismissed Babar Azam lbw for 23, leaving the hosts at 199-5 in the 60th over.
With the momentum shifting, Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha staged a crucial fightback. The pair added an unbroken 114-run stand for the sixth wicket, guiding Pakistan safely to stumps.
Rizwan reached his 12th Test fifty off 81 balls, finishing the day unbeaten on 62, including two sixes and two fours. Salman, dropped by Aiden Markram in the slips off Muthusamy, played a composed knock of 52* from 83 balls, including two fours and a six.
South Africa took the second new ball after 80 overs but couldn’t break the partnership.
Muthusamy was the pick of the bowlers with 2-101 in 26 overs. Rabada (1-43), Harmer (1-75), and Subrayen (1-72) were the other wicket-takers.
Former Test opener Sadiq Mohammad said Pakistan is in good position.
“Pakistan were fortunate to bat first. If they can post 350 or more, we have a real chance of winning this match by Day Four. Imam played another enterprising innings but once again fell short of a century. His head coach must advise him to maintain focus when nearing a milestone.”
He added, “The pitch played well on Day One, but it will start deteriorating and assist spinners more as the match progresses.”
Chris Brown (New Zealand) and Rod Tucker (Australia) are officiating as on-field umpires, while Ranjan Madugalle (Sri Lanka) is serving as the match referee.