Pakistan Takes Command Against South Africa in Rawalpindi Test

In Rawalpindi Pakistan captain Shan Masood scored 87 as the hosts closed day one of the second Test on 259 for five, with Saud Shakeel 42 not out and Salman Agha 10 not out. Masood and Abdullah Shafique put on a 111-run second-wicket stand—Shafique 57—before Masood, who survived several lives, was finally dismissed by Keshav Maharaj. South Africa were wasteful in the field, spilling multiple chances, but stayed in the contest thanks to disciplined bowling from Simon Harmer (2-75) and Keshav Maharaj (2-63), and a late new-ball strike from Kagiso Rabada that trapped Mohammad Rizwan lbw. Pakistan, having won the first Test in Lahore, elected to bat first on a surface expected to take turn later, signalling spinners could be decisive with the tourists likely to bat last. The result will shape the early phase of South Africa's defence of their World Test Championship crown after their opening defeat in the series.