LAHORE: On the opening day of the first Test between Pakistan and South Africa, the hosts ended strongly at 313 for 5 after 90 overs at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore.
Pakistan opted to bat first after winning the toss. Opening batter Imam-ul-Haq fell agonizingly short of a century, scoring 93 runs off 153 balls, including 1 six and 9 fours. Captain Shan Masood contributed a solid 76, while Babar Azam made 23, Abdullah Shafique managed only 2, and Saud Shakeel was dismissed without scoring.
By stumps on Day 1, Mohammad Rizwan (62*) and Salman Ali Agha (52*) were at the crease, guiding Pakistan to a commanding position. For South Africa, Senuran Muthusamy was the most successful bowler, claiming 2 wickets.
At the toss, Pakistan captain Shan Masood said the team aimed to take full advantage of home conditions, while South African skipper Aiden Markram expressed confidence in his team’s experience in similar conditions.
Pakistan’s playing XI: Shan Masood (capt), Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan (wk), Salman Ali Agha, Shaheen Shah Afridi, Hasan Ali, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan.
