Rawalpindi Test, Day 1: Masood shines as Pakistan dominate SA
What's the story
Team Pakistan is building a strong position in the ongoing second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, with Shan Masood's stellar 87 headlining the opening day's play. Opener Abdullah Shafique also scored a fifty as the hosts ended Day 1 at 259/5. The visitors were majorly let down by their fielders, as there were numerous dropped catches. Here we look at the Day 1 summary.
Tactical shift
South Africa's bowling attack revamped for the 2nd Test
In anticipation of a more challenging pitch, South Africa made some strategic changes to their bowling attack. They brought in left-arm pacer Marco Jansen and two left-arm spinners - Keshav Maharaj and Senuran Muthusamy. Off-spinner Simon Harmer was also included in the mix. Despite creating more chances than the scorecard suggests, they couldn't make the most of these opportunities.
Game dynamics
Masood, Shafique power Pakistan
Pakistan's progress was slow in the first session, with a scoring rate of about 2.5 runs an over. They had lost Imam-ul-Haq (17) with just 35 runs on the board. Masood then arrived at number three and joined forces with Shafique. The duo scripted a 111-run stand before Shafique departed for 57. Masood looked set to touch the three-figure mark before Keshav Maharaj ended his stay. Saud Shakeel (42*) and Salman Agha (10*) returned unbeaten as Pakistan finished at 259/5.
Match highlights
Lifelines for Pakistan batters
Kagiso Rabada almost had Shafique out on his third ball, but Tristan Stubbs at third slip couldn't hold on. The latter received two more lifelines afterward. Rabada also found Imam-ul-Haq's edge twice, but both times it fell short of the cordon. Jansen nearly got rid of Shafique too when he beat his inside edge and hit the stumps without dislodging any bails.
Masood
Masood completes 2,500 Test runs
Masood, who slammed two fours and three sixes during his 176-ball 87, went past 2,500 runs (now 2,550) from 44 matches at 31.09. This includes 12 half-centuries and six tons, as per ESPNcricinfo. 953 of his runs have come while leading the team at an average of 36.65. Against SA, Masood now owns 686 runs at 40.35 (50s: 5, 100: 1).
Shafique
Shafique hammers his maiden Test fifty vs SA
Shafique faced 146 balls during his 57-run stay as he slammed four fours. He has raced to 1,604 runs from 24 Tests at an average of 38.19. The tally includes five tons and six fifties. Against SA, he now owns 100 runs at 33.33. 927 of the opener's runs have come in home Tests at 34.33 (100s: 3, 50s: 3).
Babar
Brief stay for Babar
Babar Azam scored just 16 runs off 22 balls on a flat pitch, marking his 16th consecutive innings in a home Test without scoring a half-century. Since the start of 2023, Babar has averaged 18.40 in home Tests. As per ESPNcricinfo, this is the lowest among specialist batters with at least 200 runs in this period. Babar's struggles aren't just limited to home Tests. He has now gone seven Test innings without a fifty.
Bowlers
Two wickets each for Maharaj and Harmer
Spinners Maharaj (2/63 from 31 overs) and Harmer (2/75 from 23 overs) were the most effective Proteas bowlers on the day, claiming two wickets each. Rabada also made a strike in the final hour of the game, trapping Mohammad Rizwan for 19. The former finished the day with 1/41 from 13 overs. Jansen, Muthusamy, and skipper Aiden Markram went wicket-less in the entire day.