LAHORE, Pakistan: A resilient century stand between Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Ali Agha rescued Pakistan after early setbacks on the opening day of the first Test against South Africa in Lahore on Sunday, guiding the hosts to 313 for five at stumps.
Opting to bat first at the Gaddafi Stadium, Pakistan made a shaky start when opener Abdullah Shafique fell for two in the first over, trapped leg before by Kagiso Rabada.
Skipper Shan Masood and Imam-ul-Haq steadied the innings with a composed 161-run partnership for the second wicket, absorbing the early pressure from South Africa’s seamers.
Imam, returning to Test cricket after a year-long gap, reached his 10th half-century before falling agonisingly short of a century on 93.
Shan compiled a fluent 76 from 147 balls, including nine fours and a six, before being dismissed by off-spinner Prenelan Subrayen.
Pakistan looked well set at 163 for one before losing three wickets in quick succession. Senuran Muthusamy struck twice in one over before tea, removing Imam for 93 and trapping Saud Shakeel for a first-ball duck.
Babar Azam briefly steadied the innings with a brisk 23 but was later dismissed by Simon Harmer, leaving Pakistan at 216 for five and in danger of wasting a solid start.
Mohammad Rizwan and middle-order batter Salman Ali Agha then staged a determined recovery. The pair added an unbroken 100-plus stand for the sixth wicket, defying the South African spinners under fading light.
Rizwan, demonstrating trademark patience and control, brought up his 12th Test fifty and closed the day unbeaten on 62. Salman, equally composed, reached his 10th half-century in red-ball cricket and was not out on 52 at stumps.
For South Africa, Muthusamy was the pick of the bowlers with two wickets, while Rabada, Subrayen and Harmer claimed one apiece. Despite their disciplined effort, the visitors struggled to make inroads in the final session as the Lahore pitch began to settle.
Stumps, Day One: Pakistan 313/5 (90 overs)
Rizwan 62 (not out), Salman 52 (not out)
Muthusamy 2–57, Rabada 1–51, Subrayen 1–64, Harmer 1–58
