Pakistan were bowled out for 378 runs in their first innings of the opening Test against South Africa after promising half-centuries from Imam-ul-Haq, Shan Masood, Mohammad Rizwan, and Agha Salman.
After being put in to bat, Pakistan made a steady start but lost Abdullah Shafique early to Kagiso Rabada. Captain Shan Masood (76) and Imam-ul-Haq (93) rebuilt the innings with a 161-run stand, giving Pakistan control before both fell in quick succession. Babar Azam (23) and Saud Shakeel (0) departed cheaply, putting pressure back on the hosts.
Mohammad Rizwan (75) and Agha Salman (93) then steadied the ship with a crucial 150-run sixth-wicket partnership, lifting Pakistan to 362/6 before the tail collapsed. South African spinner Senuran Muthusamy turned the game around with a brilliant spell, taking 6 wickets for 117 runs — including three in one over. Prenelan Subrayen (2/78) and Rabada (1/55) provided strong support.
Pakistan’s final five wickets fell for just 16 runs, ending the innings at 378 in 110.4 overs. Despite a strong foundation, the team squandered a chance to post a 400-plus total. South Africa will now aim to capitalize on the conditions and test Pakistan’s bowling lineup when they begin their first innings.
