Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood has put Pakistan in a strong position against South Africa as the home side reached 259/5 on the first day of second in final Test at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore on Monday.
After winning the toss, Pakistan opted to bat first. The opening partnership ended at 35 runs when opener Imam-ul-Haq was clean bowled by spinner Simon Harmer for 17.
Following him, Abdullah Shafique—who scored 57 runs—also fell victim to Harmer. Captain Shan Masood played a solid innings and reached a well-earned half-century.
Babar Azam, coming in at number four, once again failed to deliver a big innings. After South Africa lost a review on him, he was dismissed on the very next delivery by Keshav Maharaj. Tony de Zorzi took a sharp catch at silly mid-off to send him back to the pavilion for just 16 runs.
At tea, Pakistan had reached 177 for the loss of three wickets. Later, Shan Masood, after scoring 87, became Maharaj’s second wicket, caught by Marco Jansen.
Pakistan lost their fourth wicket at 212 runs. Captain Shan Masood fell short of a well-deserved century by just 13 runs.
Pakistan made one change to their playing XI, bringing in left-arm spinner Asif Afridi in place of Hasan Ali. South Africa made two changes—Marco Jansen and Keshav Maharaj returned to the side, replacing Wiaan Mulder and Prenelan Subrayen.
🏏 Pakistan win the toss and elect to bat first against South Africa at Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium 🏟️#PAKvSA | #GreenPeYaqeen pic.twitter.com/594kjQZmSm
— Pakistan Cricket (@TheRealPCB) October 20, 2025
Asif Afridi, at the age of 38 years and 299 days, became the second-oldest player to debut for Pakistan in Test cricket. The oldest was Miran Bakhsh, who made his debut at 47 years and 284 days.
It is worth noting that Pakistan won the first match of the two-Test series by 93 runs, taking a 1-0 lead.
Pakistan’s Playing XI: Abdullah Shafique, Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood (captain), Babar Azam, Saud Shakeel, Mohammad Rizwan, Salman Ali Agha, Nauman Ali, Sajid Khan, Asif Afridi, Shaheen Shah Afridi.
South Africa’s Playing XI: Aiden Markram, Ryan Rickelton, Tristan Stubbs, Tony de Zorzi, Dewald Brevis, Kyle Verreynne, Senuran Muthusamy, Marco Jansen, Simon Harmer, Keshav Maharaj, Kagiso Rabada.
