RAWALPINDI: Pakistan finished the first day of the second Test against South Africa at 259 for 5 after choosing to bat first at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.

Captain Shan Masood led from the front with a brilliant 87-run knock, while Abdullah Shafique added a solid 57 runs at the top. Other batters contributed modestly — Imam-ul-Haq scored 17, Babar Azam made 16, and Mohammad Rizwan was dismissed for 19.

At stumps, Saud Shakeel was unbeaten on 42, and Salman Ali Agha was not out on 10, ready to resume batting on the second day.

For South Africa, Simon Harmer and Keshav Maharaj picked up two wickets each, while Kagiso Rabada claimed one.

The visitors’ fielding, however, was disappointing. They dropped two catches of Abdullah Shafique and one of Shan Masood, allowing Pakistan to build partnerships and post a steady total.

Before the match began, Pakistan made one change spinner Asif Afridi replaced fast bowler Hasan Ali. South Africa made two changes, bringing in Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen in place of Wiaan Mulder and Prenelan Subrayen.

Pakistan will look to build on their strong start when play resumes on the second day.

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