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Babar Azam flops again but Shan Masood, Shafique 50s put PAK in strong position on Day 1

Aakash Saini

Shan Masood vs SA [Source: AFP Photos]Shan Masood vs SA [Source: AFP Photos]

Pakistan opener Abdullah Shafique and captain Shan Masood listed commanding half-centuries while star batter Babar Azam failed to light up the stage on the opening day of the series-deciding second Test. For South Africa, spinners Keshav Maharaj and Simon Harmer kept chipping away with crucial wickets throughout the day.

Here, we take a look at the entire highlights from Day 1 of the second Test of the two-match series between Pakistan and South Africa, as it panned out at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium on Monday, October 20.

Abdullah Shafique rescues Pakistan after losing Imam-ul-Haq early

Pakistan opener Imam-ul-Haq failed to capitalise his start as he was knocked over by South African spinner Simon Harmer for 17 at 35-1 inside the first hour of play. His opening partner, Abdullah Shafique, however, forged a strong half-century to score 57 off nearly 150 deliveries with four boundaries. The cricketer shared a 111-run partnership for the second wicket with captain and fellow half-centurion Shan Masood.

Their resistance was eventually broken by Harmer, who dismissed Shafique at 146-2 in 51 overs.

Keshav Maharaj fights back for South Africa

Ace spinner and comeback man Keshav Maharaj fought back for South Africa by getting rid of struggling Pakistan middle-order batter Babar Azam for just 16 off 22. Maharaj also halted Shan Masood from getting to his century by dismissing the home captain for 87. Senior wicketkeeper-batter Mohammad Rizwan struck a couple of boundaries in his 19 before he was trapped in front by Kagiso Rabada at the brink of stumps.

Saud Shakeel (41*) and Agha Salman (10*) eventually steered Pakistan to 258-5 in 90 overs by close of play.