Pakistan were bowled out for 378 runs in their first innings of the opening Test against South Africa, despite strong half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan made a steady start but suffered an early blow when Abdullah Shafique was trapped lbw by Kagiso Rabada for just 2 runs.
Captain Shan Masood (76 off 147 balls) and Imam-ul-Haq (93 off 153) built a crucial second-wicket partnership of 161 runs, stabilizing the innings with disciplined stroke play.
However, after both batters fell in quick succession, the middle order faltered briefly as Babar Azam (23) and Saud Shakeel (0) departed cheaply.
Rizwan and Salman steer Pakistan past 350
Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman then took control, adding a crucial 150-run partnership for the sixth wicket.
Rizwan made a well-crafted 75 off 140 balls with two sixes, while Salman Agha impressed with a brilliant 93 off 145 balls, including five fours and three sixes.
Their partnership helped Pakistan recover from 199/5 to 362/6 before the lower order collapsed quickly.
Muthusamy’s magical spell turns the game
South African left-arm spinner Senuran Muthusamy emerged as the star of the innings, taking six wickets for 117 runs in 32 overs, including three in a single over that dismantled Pakistan’s tail.
He dismissed Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, Shaheen Afridi, and Agha Salman, finishing with the best figures of his Test career.
Prenelan Subrayen supported well, claiming 2 wickets for 78, while Rabada and Harmer picked up one each.
Pakistan’s lower order falters
The final five wickets fell for just 16 runs, with Noman Ali, Sajid Khan, and Saud Shakeel failing to score.
Shaheen Afridi contributed 7 runs, while Hasan Ali remained not out on 0 as the innings folded at 378 in 110.4 overs.
At stumps on Day 1, Pakistan had reached 313/5, with Rizwan (62)* and Salman (52)* at the crease before resuming on Day 2 and eventually being bowled out early in the first session.
South Africa will now look to capitalize on the conditions and Pakistan’s inconsistent bowling attack when they begin their first innings.
