Pakistan vs South Africa, 2nd Test: Masood, Shafique Fifties Propel Hosts to 259/5 on Day 1
By deepoct | October 20, 2025 | Rawalpindi
Pakistan made a strong start on the opening day of the second Test against South Africa in Rawalpindi, reaching 259/5 thanks to brilliant knocks from skipper Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique. Despite dropping five crucial catches on a turning pitch, the home side managed to take control early in the match.
Masood led from the front with a resilient 87, showcasing his experience and composure at the crease. He was dropped on 71 by Keshav Maharaj, a reprieve he capitalized on with two boundaries and three towering sixes. Shafique, meanwhile, also made the most of South Africa’s fielding lapses, scoring 57 after being let off four times. Saud Shakeel and Salman Agha remained unbeaten at 42 and 10 respectively, ensuring Pakistan finished the day in a commanding position.
South Africa received some relief through pacer Kagiso Rabada, who trapped Mohammad Rizwan for 19 with the second new ball. Spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer shared four wickets between them, with Maharaj taking 2/63 and Harmer 2/75. Interestingly, Senuran Muthusamy, who bagged 11 wickets in the first Test, was surprisingly limited to just four overs.
The final session saw Masood fall to Maharaj on an uppish sweep, caught by Marco Jansen. Yet, Pakistan’s strong start, capitalizing on the tourists’ poor catching, sets up a promising platform as they aim for a 2-0 series victory over the reigning world Test champions.
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