Pak Vs SA test: Pakistan crosses 100 without loss of another wicket

LAHORE: Pakistan’s cricket team won the toss and elected to bat first in their highly anticipated Test match against South Africa at Lahore’s iconic Gaddafi Stadium. The Pak Vs SA match saw both sides arriving at the venue under tight security measures.

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Captain Shan Masood leads the Pakistan squad, with key players Imam-ul-Haq, Abdullah Shafiq, Babar Azam, Muhammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, and Saud Shakeel included in the lineup. The inclusion of seasoned bowlers Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and Hasan Ali also stands out as they add depth to the bowling attack.

In a notable development, Shaheen Afridi makes his return to Test cricket after a year-long absence, offering a significant boost to Pakistan’s bowling unit.

Imam-ul-Haq, the national cricketer, is making a return to the Test team after a break of nearly a year and nine months. His last appearance in a Test match was against Australia in Melbourne in 2023. The news has sparked excitement among fans, who are eager to see him back on the field representing Pakistan.

Meanwhile, Gaddafi Stadium in Lahore is buzzing with energy as cricket enthusiasts flock to watch the ongoing Pakistan-South Africa Test match. The stadium is filled with a large crowd, especially in the first-class and premium stands. Fans are chanting slogans in support of the national team, and in a bid to encourage more spectators, the Pakistan Cricket Board (PCB) has made entry to the stadium free for the duration of the Test series.

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Abdullah Shafique falls to Kagiso Rabada. The South African bowler appeals for an LBW, but the on-field umpire rules not out. His team challenges, and replays show the ball hitting the back pad with no bat involved. The ball tracker shows three reds, confirming the decision. Rabada strikes in his first over after a successful review.

By the 10th over, the men in green have maintained their grip on wickets, but the score remains slow. Pakistan reached 51/1 in 10 overs. Pakistan had accumulated 101 runs on the board by the end of 25 overs, with Imam-ul Haq and Shan Masood carrying the game after loss of Shafique. Haq added 57 to the tally while Masood made 41 runs.