The first day of the much-awaited PAK vs SA 1st Test Match 2025 began with plenty of excitement and intensity. Pakistan won the toss and chose to bat first, but their start wasn’t ideal. Opener Abdullah Shafique fell in the very first over to a fiery delivery from Kagiso Rabada, giving South Africa a dream start to their World Test Championship title defence.
However, Pakistan’s captain Shan Masood and opener Imam-ul-Haq soon took control of the situation. The duo showed exceptional patience, sharp running between the wickets, and positive intent to rebuild the innings confidently.
Imam-ul-Haq’s Classy Fifty Sets the Tone
Imam-ul-Haq, making a strong comeback to the side, played with elegance and maturity. He reached his half-century with a stylish drive to long-off, acknowledging the roaring crowd that cheered every boundary. His timing and placement were pure class — punishing loose deliveries while showing great respect to the good ones.
Alongside him, Shan Masood anchored the innings with calm composure, rotating the strike and keeping the scoreboard ticking. Together, they ensured that Pakistan didn’t let South Africa dominate after that early blow.
South Africa’s Bowlers Struggle for Consistency
The South African bowling attack, led by Kagiso Rabada, looked threatening in patches but lacked consistency. Rabada’s early breakthrough gave the Proteas a perfect start, but frequent lapses in line and length allowed Pakistan’s batters to settle in comfortably.
Spinners Simon Harmer and Senuran Muthusamy did get some turn and bounce off the surface, but their inability to maintain tight areas cost South Africa valuable runs in the first session. The pitch looked ideal for batting early on, and Pakistan took full advantage.
Session Summary: Pakistan on Top at Lunch
At lunch on Day 1, Pakistan were comfortably placed at 107/1 in 28 overs, with Imam-ul-Haq unbeaten on 59 and Shan Masood on 44. The pair added more than 100 runs for the second wicket — a partnership that shifted the momentum entirely in Pakistan’s favour.
Despite South Africa’s disciplined bowling at times, the Pakistani batters’ clever strike rotation and aggressive shot selection kept the scoreboard moving steadily.
As the teams headed into the break, Pakistan looked confident, focused, and determined to build a massive first-innings total.
The post-lunch session promises even more action. Pakistan’s batters will aim to capitalize on their strong start and widen the gap, while South Africa will be desperate to find a breakthrough and pull the game back in their favour.
For now, though, Pakistan have clearly ruled the opening session of this Test match — showcasing discipline, intent, and teamwork.