Pakistan made a solid start to their Test series against South Africa, finishing the opening day at 313 for 5. The team showed great resilience after losing early wickets, with key contributions from top and middle-order batsmen keeping them on track.
Opener Imam-ul-Haq played a classy innings of 93, narrowly missing out on a century. Captain Shan Masood supported him with a composed 76, as the duo added a crucial 161-run partnership for the second wicket. Their stand helped Pakistan recover from an early setback and take control of the innings.
In the final session, Mohammad Rizwan and Agha Salman guided Pakistan safely to stumps with an unbeaten 114-run stand. Rizwan remained not out on 62, while Salman added a steady 52*, ensuring the hosts closed the day in a strong position.
South Africa’s bowlers toiled hard throughout the day but struggled for breakthroughs on a flat pitch. However, the visitors will look to strike early on day two to limit Pakistan’s first-innings total.
With the pitch likely to offer more help to spinners later in the match, Pakistan’s strong batting foundation could prove crucial in shaping the outcome of this Test.
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