Cricket
Pakistan ride their luck as honours end even on Day 1─── MORGAN PIEK 15:36 Mon, 20 Oct 2025
The honours were shared at stumps on day one of the second Test between Pakistan and South Africa in Rawalpindi, on a day that should have panned out far more favourably for the reigning world champions.
Pakistan won the toss and elected to bat first, and at the close of play were on 259/5. Luck was certainly on their side following several dropped catches, missed stumpings, and even a delivery by Kagiso Rabada that hit the stumps without dislodging the bails. Captain Shan Masood anchored the Pakistani innings with a patient 87 off 176 balls, an innings that included two fours and three sixes.
Opener Abdullah Shafique shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket with Masood before being caught off the bowling of Simon Harmer for 57.
Keshav Maharaj and Proteas celebrate Shan Masood's wicket. Photo: Cricinfo
Saud Shakeel, in turn, was unbeaten on 42 when stumps were called after facing 105 deliveries.
The returning Keshav Maharaj was the pick of the South African bowlers with 2/63 in 31 overs, while Harmer took 2/75 in 23.
Rabada claimed one scalp when he trapped Mohammad Rizwan lbw.
Following the day’s play, Maharaj said dropped catches are part of the game but praised the team for bouncing back later and holding onto their chances.
“We know how important catches are, not just in the subcontinent, but in general in Test cricket,” said Maharaj.
“But look, no one means to drop catches. It was nice to see the guys bounce back and take the catches they did. It was a bit frustrating, but no one means to drop catches at the end of the day.”
Abdullah Shafique and Shan Masood. Photo: Cricinfo
Maharaj felt that despite the missed opportunities, the Test was evenly poised, and that the team were perhaps one wicket away from claiming the day as theirs.
“If you look at it, I think it was an even day - we managed to control the run rate quite well,” Maharaj added.
“I think when the ball gets softer, which happens quite quickly because the wicket is hard, we managed to revert to old-fashioned Test cricket.
Simon Harmer, Ryan Rickelton, and Aiden Markram. Photo: Cricinfo
I think it was an even-Stevens day. I felt that if we had got one more wicket late on, we would probably have had a slight upper hand.
“But tomorrow is an important day. The first session has been the moving session in this series so far. Hopefully, we can make some inroads tomorrow morning.”
Play at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium is scheduled to resume at 7am on Tuesday.
