Pakistan ended the opening day of the second Test on 259 for 5 against South Africa in Rawalpindi, with Shan Masood’s composed 87 and Abdullah Shafique’s 57 anchoring the innings. The hosts’ decision to bat first paid off on a sluggish, low surface that made scoring difficult but rewarded patience.

Masood and Shafique shared a 111-run stand for the second wicket, steadying Pakistan after an early breakthrough from Simon Harmer, who bowled Imam-ul-Haq for 9. South Africa, however, will rue a series of missed chances, dropping four clear catches, three off Shafique and one off Masood, that could have shifted the contest in their favour.

Keshav Maharaj eventually removed Masood before Tony de Zorzi’s sharp catch dismissed Babar Azam for 20, halting Pakistan’s progress in the middle session. Late in the day, Kagiso Rabada struck with the second new ball, trapping Mohammad Rizwan lbw for 18, while Saud Shakeel remained unbeaten on 42.

With Pakistan navigating 91 overs and both sides finding moments of promise, the Test remains evenly poised heading into day two.