Pakistan reached 313/5 on day one of the first Test against South Africa in Lahore, powered by Imam-ul-Haq’s 93 and crucial unbeaten half-centuries from Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha at the Gaddafi Stadium on Sunday.Rizwan remained not out on 62 while Agha scored an unbeaten 52, forming a vital 114-run partnership for the sixth wicket after Pakistan experienced a middle-order collapse.The hosts dominated the first two sessions with Shan Masood contributing 76 runs before Pakistan lost four wickets for just 36 runs, slipping from 163-1 to 199-5.Spinner Prenelan Subrayen initiated the collapse by dismissing Masood lbw, ending a 161-run partnership with Haq. Senuran Muthusamy then removed Haq and Saud Shakeel in quick succession.Local favorite Babar Azam managed only 23 runs before falling leg-before to Simon Harmer, disappointing the holiday crowd of 10,000.South Africa’s position could have been stronger had they not dropped Masood on 61 and Haq on 72, with Subrayen being the unfortunate bowler on both occasions.The day began with Pakistan losing Abdullah Shafique leg before to Kagiso Rabada off the third ball after choosing to bat on the spin-friendly pitch.South African captain Aiden Markram introduced his spinners early, utilising all three – Subrayen, Harmer, and Muthusamy – by lunch, with Pakistan reaching 107-1 as Haq completed his tenth Test fifty. Rizwan’s innings included two fours and two sixes in what was his twelfth Test half-century, while Agha’s tenth fifty featured two fours and a six.The match is part of the new World Test Championship cycle, with South Africa entering as champions after their victory over Australia in June.Pakistan’s team selection reflected the pitch conditions, with specialist spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan included in the playing eleven.The unbroken sixth-wicket partnership between Rizwan and Agha helped stabilise the innings in the final session, ensuring Pakistan ended the day in a strong position despite the middle-order setback.The two teams are competing in a two-match series as part of the World Test Championship’s new two-year cycle.
About the Author
