Imam, Masood, Rizwan and Agha Score Fifties as Pakistan Take Opening-Day Honours – Imam Misses Hundred, But Big Total in Sight

Pakistan had a strong start to the first Test against South Africa in Lahore, ending Day 1 at 313 for 5. Four batters – Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Salman Agha – all scored half-centuries on a pitch already helping spin bowlers.

Imam and Masood Lay the Foundation

After losing Abdullah Shafique early to Kagiso Rabada, Pakistan bounced back with a brilliant 161-run partnership between Imam and Masood. Imam looked set for a hundred but was dismissed for 93, falling just seven runs short. Masood played confidently for his 76, hitting boundaries early to keep the pressure on.

Middle-Order Collapse

Just when Pakistan looked in control at 163 for 1, South Africa’s spinners struck. Prenelan Subrayen started the slide by trapping Masood lbw. Then Senuran Muthusamy dismissed Imam and Saud Shakeel in quick time. Simon Harmer got the big wicket of Babar Azam for just 23, quieting the 10,000-strong home crowd. In the space of a few overs, Pakistan slumped to 199 for 5.

Rizwan and Agha Rebuild with Big Partnership

With the game slipping away, Mohammad Rizwan and Salman Agha stepped up. They put together a crucial 114-run stand to rescue the innings. Rizwan remained unbeaten on 62, while Agha finished the day on 52 not out. Their calm batting steadied Pakistan and pushed the total past 300.

South Africa’s Missed Chances

South Africa will regret four dropped catches, including key chances off Imam and Masood during their partnership. Subrayen was especially unlucky, missing out on two wickets due to drops.

The spin trio of Muthusamy, Harmer, and Subrayen bowled 74 overs between them and took 4 for 248, showing good control on a turning pitch. However, their lack of experience at the Test level showed at times.

Tough Pitch, Crucial Runs

The Lahore pitch showed signs of breaking up as early as Day 1, especially in the final session. That makes Pakistan’s first-innings score even more important. Batting is expected to get harder as the match goes on.

This Test is part of the new World Test Championship cycle, with South Africa coming in as the reigning champions after beating Australia earlier this year. Pakistan’s team selection reflected the conditions, as they picked two specialist spinners – Noman Ali and Sajid Khan.

Score Summary:

Pakistan 313 for 5

• Imam-ul-Haq 93
• Shan Masood 76
• Mohammad Rizwan 62*
• Salman Agha 52*
• Muthusamy 2 for 101

Key Takeaways:

• Imam and Masood gave Pakistan a solid start.
• Rizwan and Agha’s unbeaten partnership saved the innings after a middle-order collapse.
• South Africa’s spinners did most of the work but couldn’t maintain pressure.
• The pitch is turning already — Pakistan’s runs could be crucial.
• A strong day for Pakistan, but both teams will know there’s a long way to go in this two-match Test series.