Babar falls after bright start as Masood keeps it steady in Pindi Test

WEB DESK: Pakistan’s steady start against South Africa was interrupted by a sudden collapse as the hosts lost key wickets, including captain Babar Azam, after a solid opening stand. Abdullah Shafique fell for 57, gloving a Simon Harmer delivery down the leg side to the keeper. His dismissal broke a 108-run partnership with Shan Masood, who continued to anchor the innings with a composed 74 off 139 balls. Babar Azam, however, failed to capitalise on a promising start. After stroking three crisp boundaries, he fell for 16, brilliantly caught one-handed by Tony de Zorzi off Keshav Maharaj. The dismissal stunned the Rawalpindi crowd, as Babar had just survived a close review moments earlier. His wicket left Pakistan at 177 for three, with both openers back in the pavilion and South Africa sensing momentum. Saud Shakeel joined Masood, attempting to stabilise the innings as the visitors’ spinners tightened their grip.

Earlier, Shan Masood brought up a composed half-century to steady Pakistan’s innings against South Africa after an early setback in Lahore. Reaching his fifty off 82 balls, Masood showcased a mix of patience and precision, striking two boundaries and three sixes. The left-hander guided the hosts past the 100-run mark alongside Abdullah Shafique, who remained solid at the other end. Facing disciplined spells from Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen, Masood’s ability to rotate the strike and punish loose deliveries kept the scoreboard ticking. By the 38th over, Pakistan stood at 113-1, with Masood on 52 and Shafique approaching his own milestone.

Opting to bat first on a dry surface that offered early turn, Pakistan lost opener Imam-ul-Haq for 22 when he was trapped lbw by Simon Harmer in the 12th over. But Masood, leading Pakistan for the first time at home, responded positively, countering South Africa’s spinners with a mix of aggression and composure. The left-hander struck three sixes and four boundaries in a brisk 44 off 65 balls, showcasing confidence against both pace and spin. Shafique, more measured at the other end, provided the perfect foil, batting on 21 at the interval after facing 71 deliveries. The pair added 54 runs for the second wicket, ensuring Pakistan maintained control after the early setback.

South Africa, led by Temba Bavuma, introduced spin early through Harmer and Keshav Maharaj, hoping to exploit the conditions, but the Pakistan batters negotiated them calmly. Earlier, the visitors missed a review opportunity when Masood survived a close lbw call off Maharaj.

With clear skies and a flat pitch expected to aid batting through the first two days, Pakistan will look to build on their strong foundation in the second session, while South Africa aim for quick breakthroughs to keep the hosts in check.

Pakistan choose to bat

Pakistan has won the toss and elected to bat first in their latest fixture. Captain Shan Masood said the decision was influenced by the pitch conditions, describing it as “a bit on the dry side” and noting that the team has not played at the venue for some time, ‘so better to bat first’, he added. Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, handing a debut to left-arm spinner Asif Afridi. The team will be looking to post a strong total and make early inroads when they bowl later in the match.

Pakistan won the first Test in Lahore last week as spinners stunned the Proteas with their performance.

Pakistan Playing XI:

Captain Shan Masood will lead a side that includes Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq at the top of the order, followed by Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, and wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan. Salman Ali Agha strengthens the middle order as an all-rounder, while Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and debutant Asif Afridi provide spin options. Shaheen Shah Afridi leads the pace attack.

South Africa’s Playing XI:

South Africa have named their playing XI for the opening Test against Pakistan, with Aiden Markram leading the side. The batting lineup features Tony de Zorzi at the top, supported by Dewald Brevis, Tristan Stubbs, and wicketkeeper-batter Ryan Rickelton. Kyle Verreynne is also part of the squad as an additional wicketkeeping option. Senuran Muthusamy and Marco Jansen provide balance as all-rounders, offering both batting depth and bowling versatility. The spin department will be handled by Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer, while Kagiso Rabada spearheads the pace attack.

The match, part of the ICC World Test Championship 2025–26, runs from October 20 to 24, beginning daily at 10:00am local time.