Lahore, Pakistan – Senuran Muthusamy's brilliant spell just before tea helped South Africa claw their way back into the first Test against Pakistan at the Gaddafi Stadium. Pakistan reached 199/4 at the interval on Day 1, but Muthusamy's two wickets in two balls shifted the momentum after a dominant morning session for the home side.
Pakistan captain Shan Masood, who won the toss and opted to bat on a pitch expected to favour spin, looked comfortable alongside Imam-ul-Haq. They built a solid 161-run partnership before Prenelan Subrayen trapped Masood lbw for a well-made 76. Haq, however, continued to anchor the innings, seemingly destined for a century.
But just before tea, Muthusamy struck, removing Haq for 93 with a quicker delivery that Tony de Zorzi caught sharply at short leg. The very next ball, Muthusamy dismissed Saud Shakeel with a caught-and-bowled to leave Pakistan reeling. Babar Azam remained unbeaten on 23 at the break.
Earlier in the day, Kagiso Rabada struck early, dismissing Abdullah Shafique lbw for just 2. South Africa rotated their spinners effectively throughout the day, with Simon Harmer generating significant turn. Subrayen finished the session with figures of 1-51, while Muthusamy impressed with 2-47.
South Africa will be looking to capitalise on Muthusamy's late breakthroughs when play resumes, hoping to restrict Pakistan's total and gain a foothold in this crucial first Test of the two-match series, which forms part of the World Test Championship.
Key Moments:
- Kagiso Rabada's early wicket of Abdullah Shafique.
- Shan Masood's fluent 76 before being dismissed by Prenelan Subrayen.
- Imam-ul-Haq's near-century, falling for 93 to Senuran Muthusamy.
- Senuran Muthusamy's double-wicket over before tea.
The Proteas will need to bowl well and bat with determination to put Pakistan under pressure on a turning pitch.