Masood and Shafique Lead Steady Start for Pakistan Against South Africa in 2nd Test
Openers Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique gave Pakistan a solid start on the first morning of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, guiding the hosts to 95 for 1 at lunch on a slow and increasingly tricky pitch.
After electing to bat first, Pakistan survived a probing spell from South Africa’s bowlers, who created multiple opportunities but failed to capitalise. At the break, Masood was unbeaten on 38 and Shafique on 37, having put on an unbroken 60-run partnership for the second wicket.
The match bore a striking resemblance to the opening day of the first Test in Karachi, where Pakistan had also gone to lunch on 107 for 1. The Rawalpindi surface, however, has raised early concerns, showing signs of variable bounce — a factor that could have a significant impact as the game progresses.
South Africa, fielding a two-seam, three-spin combination, will rue several missed chances. Kagiso Rabada, Marco Jansen, and spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer all had opportunities to make early breakthroughs but were let down by poor catching and near misses.
Rabada could have dismissed Shafique in his opening over, but Tristan Stubbs put down a straightforward chance at third slip. Shafique rubbed salt in the wound by driving the next delivery for four. The opener had more luck when Jansen beat his inside edge and kissed the stumps — but the bails stayed intact. Later, Shafique offered a return catch to Maharaj, which was also grassed.
Imam-ul-Haq, who opened alongside Shafique, looked uncertain throughout his short stay and eventually fell to Harmer for 16. The veteran offspinner delivered the most threatening spell of the morning, eventually breaching Imam’s defence with a delivery that spun sharply and clipped off stump.
Harmer continued to trouble the batters, coming close to dismissing Masood on multiple occasions. A strong lbw appeal was turned down, and a sharp chance at short leg off Masood also failed to carry.
After a cautious start, Masood decided to counterattack, launching Harmer for two sixes over long-on and repeating the dose against Senuran Muthusamy. His positive approach shifted the momentum slightly in Pakistan’s favour.
South Africa reviewed a confident lbw appeal against Shafique off Maharaj, but replays confirmed the ball had struck the bat rather than the pad. Despite a flurry of fielding changes and pressure before lunch, Pakistan held firm, with the Shafique-Masood partnership reaching 60.
As both teams prepare for the afternoon session, Pakistan will be satisfied with their platform, while South Africa will be left wondering what could have been had they taken their chances.
Score at Lunch – Day 1, 2nd Test:
Pakistan: 95 for 1 (Masood 38*, Shafique 37*)
Fall of Wicket: Imam-ul-Haq 16 (b Harmer)
South Africa: Missed several key chances despite creating pressure
Pitch Watch: Slow with signs of variable bounce; could deteriorate quickly