RAWALPINDI: Pakistan are batting in their first innings of the second and final Test against South Africa, reaching 146 runs for the loss of two wickets at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium.
Captain Shan Masood won the toss and chose to bat first. Openers Abdullah Shafique and Imam-ul-Haq provided a solid start for the hosts. Imam was bowled by Harmer after scoring 17 runs, while Abdullah Shafique contributed a well-made 57 before being dismissed. Shan Masood remains unbeaten on 68, with Babar Azam partnering him at the crease.
Speaking at the toss, Shan Masood announced one change in the lineup — Asif Afridi was included in place of Hasan Ali, who has been rested. The match also marked a special moment for Asif Afridi, who made his Test debut at the age of 39 years and 299 days. He received his Test cap from Shaheen Afridi.
On the South African side, captain Aiden Markram mentioned that they, too, would have opted to bat if they had won the toss. The Proteas made two changes for this Test, bringing in Keshav Maharaj and Marco Jansen.
Pakistan currently lead the two-match Test series 1–0, having defeated South Africa by 93 runs in the first Test held in Lahore.
