Masood and Shafique partnership vs South Africa Test 2025
Rawalpindi, October 20, 2025: Pakistan openers Shan Masood and Abdullah Shafique provided a solid start on the first morning of the second Test against South Africa, guiding their team to 95 for 1 at lunch. The pair’s steady partnership helped the hosts weather early pressure and capitalize on a sluggish Rawalpindi pitch that showed variable bounce right from the start. So let’s look at Masood and Shafique partnership vs South Africa Test 2025
Pakistan Choose to Bat on Slow, Low Surface
Opting to bat first after winning the toss, Pakistan seemed determined to make the most of home conditions. The pitch offered low bounce early, with signs that it might deteriorate as the game progresses. Pakistan’s score of 95 for 1 at lunch was reminiscent of their first-Test start (107 for 1), but this time the openers looked more assured and compact.
South Africa’s Missed Opportunities Cost Them Early
South Africa’s bowlers — led by Kagiso Rabada and Marco Jansen — found movement and created several opportunities, but their fielders couldn’t capitalize. Rabada almost had Abdullah Shafique dismissed in his third ball when Tristan Stubbs spilled a catch at third slip. Soon after, Jansen beat Shafique’s inside edge, brushing the stumps without dislodging the bails — a stroke of luck for Pakistan.
Keshav Maharaj, who replaced Jansen after a short spell, also found edges that didn’t carry. The Proteas’ frustration grew as chances went begging, leaving them rueing missed moments that could have shifted momentum.
Also read: Afghanistan Cancels T20 Series with Pakistan After Cricketers Killed in Airstrike
Harmer Threatens but Masood Fights Back
Simon Harmer’s off-spin emerged as the biggest threat of the morning. He beat the bat repeatedly and struck Imam-ul-Haq’s off stump early to give South Africa their only breakthrough. Harmer, closing in on 1,000 first-class wickets, also came close to dismissing Shan Masood leg-before and at short leg, but neither chance was taken.
Masood, showing positive intent after a cautious start, hit Harmer for two sixes over long-on and punished Senuran Muthusamy with another maximum. His aggressive approach helped Pakistan break free from South Africa’s tight line and length.
Steady Progress from Shafique and Masood
After losing Imam-ul-Haq, the duo of Shafique and Masood consolidated the innings with a composed partnership. Shafique’s resilience and Masood’s calculated aggression balanced Pakistan’s approach perfectly. By lunch, their stand had reached 60 runs, ensuring Pakistan ended the session firmly in control at 95 for 1.
Summary of Morning Session
- Score: Pakistan 95/1 at Lunch (Day 1)
- Top Scorers: Shan Masood 38*, Abdullah Shafique 37*
- Wicket: Imam-ul-Haq b Harmer
- Best Bowler: Simon Harmer 1/27
- Venue: Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium
Outlook for the Afternoon Session
With the pitch expected to assist spin as the day progresses, Pakistan will aim to build on this foundation and post a big first-innings total. South Africa, on the other hand, must regroup quickly, tighten their fielding, and convert chances if they hope to regain control of the match.
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