The first day of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa began. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat. The hosts scored 259 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 91 overs at stumps on the first day. Star batsman Babar Azam once again failed to score a big innings. Shan Masood and Shafiq scored half-centuries.
The second and final Test between Pakistan and South Africa began on Monday. Pakistan captain Shan Masood won the toss and elected to bat. At stumps on the first day of the Test match being played in Rawalpindi, Pakistan scored 259 runs for the loss of 5 wickets in 91 overs.
For Pakistan, opener Abdullah Shafiq (57) and captain Shan Masood (87) scored half-centuries. Saud Shakeel (42*) also played a strong innings. For South Africa, Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer took two wickets each. Kagiso Rabada took one wicket.
Pakistan, who won the toss and elected to bat first, got off to a steady start with openers Abdullah Shafiq and Imam-ul-Haq (17). They added 35 runs for the first wicket. Simon Harmer broke the partnership by clean bowling Imam-ul-Haq.
Shafiq and captain Shan Masood (87) then added 111 runs for the second wicket to take the team past 100. Harmer had Shafiq caught by wicketkeeper Verreny, giving South Africa a major breakthrough. Shafiq scored 57 runs off 146 balls with four fours.
Babar flopped
After Shafiq’s dismissal, Babar Azam came to the crease. Babar showed signs of returning to form by hitting three fours, but once again failed to convert his innings into a big one. Azam was caught by D’Georgi off Keshav Maharaj and departed for the pavilion. He managed just 16 runs.
From here, Shan Masood was joined by Saud Shakeel (42*). The two added 45 runs for the fourth wicket to take Pakistan past 200. Maharaj dealt Pakistan a major blow when Masood was caught by Yansen. Masood scored 87 runs in 176 balls with the help of two fours and three sixes.
