ISLAMABAD: Pakistan head into the tea break at 177 for 3 on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, having weathered a slightly challenging second session after a solid start in the morning.
Captain Shan Masood continues to hold the innings together, unbeaten on 77 off 144 balls, with Saud Shakeel (6*) alongside him at the crease. The pair will resume after tea, with Pakistan looking to build on the platform laid earlier in the day.
South Africa fought back in the second session, picking up two important wickets. Abdullah Shafique, who had shared a 111-run stand with Masood, was dismissed for a well-compiled 57 from 146 deliveries, edging to the keeper off Simon Harmer.
Then, just before the interval, Babar Azam fell for 16, brilliantly caught at short cover by Tony de Zorzi off Keshav Maharaj — a moment that lifted the visitors after a sluggish fielding display.
Earlier, Pakistan had started the day confidently after winning the toss and electing to bat on a dry surface. Openers Imam-ul-Haq and Shafique added 35 for the first wicket before Imam was bowled by Harmer for 17, beaten by a sharply turning delivery.
The introduction of Masood saw Pakistan consolidate, with both batters playing cautiously and accelerating towards the lunch break.
By tea, the hosts had faced 62 overs at a run rate of 2.85. South Africa’s spinners found more assistance in the second session, with Maharaj and Harmer applying pressure, but Pakistan’s top order, led by a composed and measured knock from Masood, ensured the innings remained well-poised.
With Rizwan and Agha Salman still to come, and the ball beginning to show signs of turn, the final session promises a key passage in this contest, one where South Africa will aim to capitalise, and Pakistan will look to press on.
.jpg)
.jpg)