October 13, 2025

What a roller-coaster match start at Lahore's Gaddafi Stadium! Pakistan, powered by a stunning 93 from Imam-ul-Haq, ended day one of the first Test at 313-5. The crowd got to see a great fightback from South Africa, but Pakistan stood firm. Let’s talk about the stars. Imam-ul-Haq was the showstopper with his brilliant 93 runs, including seven fabulous fours and a six, though the hundred slipped away just before tea. He worked hard for 236 minutes before being caught at short leg off spinner Senuran Muthusamy. Earlier, Pakistan looked strong with Shan Masood playing a fine 76, laced with nine fours and a six. But misfortune struck when Masood got out lbw to spinner Prenelan Subrayen, breaking a big 161-run partnership with Imam-ul-Haq. South Africa’s spin attack made a sudden impact as Pakistan slipped from a healthy 163-1 to 199-5, with four quick wickets changing the game's mood. But wait, the magic wasn’t over! Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha stitched an unbeaten partnership of 114 runs to steady the innings. Rizwan scored an elegant 62 not out, hitting two fours and two sixes, while Agha made a valuable 52 with two fours and a six himself. The pair refused to let South Africa celebrate early as they stayed unbeaten when stumps fell. Pakistan captain Imam-ul-Haq said, “We have batted us to a good position. We must score over 400 to get us in a strong position. Regarding missing a hundred, that's always disappointing.” Bold words showing his hunger for more! South Africa fought hard. Spinner Simon Harmer snagged Babar Azam leg-before for 23 soon after tea, sparking hopes of a quick collapse. However, missed catches—dropping Masood on 61 and Imam on 72—cost them dearly. Harmer said, “We had a good day and now need to take positives from today and keep Pakistan under 400. That would be great because this pitch will take more spin as the match progresses.” Wise words from the South African spinner! Captain Shan Masood chose to bat first away on a pitch that loved spin. Pakistan’s strategy to include specialist spinners Noman Ali and Sajid Khan shows they are ready for the twisty Gaddafi Stadium wicket. Early surprises included the loss of opener Abdullah Shafique to pace spearhead Kagiso Rabada, caught lbw on the third ball of the day. South Africa made a smart move by bringing in all three spinners before lunch. But Pakistan weathered the storm to reach 107-1 by the lunch break thanks to Imam’s tenth Test fifty. This match is a key part of the new World Test Championship cycle. The reigning champions South Africa will be eager to make a big statement here, but Pakistan’s batsmen have sent a strong warning on Day 1. Stay tuned for more thrilling Test cricket action!

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Tags: Pakistan vs south africa, Imam-ul-haq, Mohammad rizwan, Salman agha, Test cricket, Gaddafi stadium,