PAK vs SA 2025, 1st Test Day 1 Review: Imam, Masood, Rizwan, Agha dominate South Africa on opening day

Pakistan got off to a poor start after winning the toss in the first Test against South Africa at Gaddafi Stadium, Lahore, as they lost opener Abdullah Shafique in the very first over. Kagiso Rabada’s early wicket could have pushed the hosts further behind, but the experienced pair of Imam-ul-Haq and Shan Masood stabilized the innings. Both southpaws played brilliantly, adding 161 runs for the second wicket, Pakistan’s joint-best second-wicket stand against South Africa at this ground, matching the Kamran Akmal–Younis Khan partnership of 2007. Imam narrowly missed out on a century, getting dismissed for 93, while Masood scored 76 before falling to Prenelan Subrayen.

Following the exit of the openers, Pakistan faced a mini-collapse in the middle session, losing Babar Azam for 23 runs. Saud Shakeel’s dismissal in quick succession added to South Africa’s hope of gaining control, but the home team's lower order forged a brilliant partnership. Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha added more than 100 runs for the sixth wicket. Both players reached half-centuries, with Rizwan unbeaten on 62 and Agha on 52 at stumps, guiding Pakistan to a strong total of 313 for 5 in 90 overs.

South Africa relied on an XI featuring three spinners, with Simon Harmer leading the spin attack alongside Prenelan Subrayen and Senuran Muthusamy. While the spinners created opportunities, Pakistan’s batters ran well between the wickets and played with controlled aggression, especially against the spin. Rabada’s early movement did bring the wicket of Abdullah Shafique, but he and the other pacers found it tough to hurt Pakistan’s batting lineup after the initial breakthrough.

Pakistan will be eyeing a strong first-innings total, hoping to put South Africa under pressure early in the contest. The hosts will resume on day two with Rizwan and Agha at the crease, looking to consolidate their position and set up a commanding lead in the first Test.