PAK vs SA second Test: Shan Masood leads from the entrance as Pakistan make South Africa pay

Pakistan captain Shan Masood scored 87 because the hosts reached 259 for 5 on the shut of play on day one of many second check in opposition to a wasteful South Africa, who have been poor within the subject however saved within the contest by superb bowling in Rawalpindi on Monday (October 20, 2025).

Saud Shakeel is on 42 not out and Salman Agha has 10, with the Pakistan duo to renew on the second morning after weathering late stress with the brand new ball from the guests.

South Africa will rue not making additional inroads into their host’s batting lineup after lacking a number of possibilities within the subject on a wicket that’s to date taking part in true.

Pakistan received the toss for the second time within the collection and elected to bat on a pitch that’s anticipated to take spin afterward, suggesting this may once more be a significant factor in deciding the end result with the vacationers to bat final.

Off-spinner Simon Harmer (2-75) grabbed the wicket of opener Imam-ul-Haq (17) with a ravishing supply that pitched on leg stump and hit the highest of off, showcasing the activate supply.

But the guests have been their very own worst enemies after that, as probability after probability went down and Masood and Abdullah Shafique (57) placed on 111 for the second wicket.

The latter was caught down the leg-side off the bowling of Harmer and Baber Azam (16) was caught off a pointy probability diving ahead from short-leg by Tony de Zorzi as South Africa lastly took a possibility within the subject.

Left-arm spinner Keshav Maharaj (2-63) was the bowler and he additionally grabbed the wicket of Masood after he had 4 lives earlier than being dismissed when he tried a sweep and top-edged the ball to Marco Jansen at square-leg.

South Africa delayed taking the brand new ball however after they did, Kagiso Rabada trapped Mohammad Rizwan (19) leg earlier than wicket.

Pakistan received the primary check in Lahore final week by 93 runs. Defeat for South Africa marked a dropping begin to the defence of their World Test Championship crown at first of a brand new two-year cycle.