The Proteas showed resilience on Day 1 of the second test against Pakistan at the Rawalpindi Cricket Stadium, managing to restrict the home side to 259 for five in 91 overs. Despite a few missed opportunities in the field, South Africa's bowlers kept Pakistan's scoring rate in check.
Pakistan's Innings: Masood Leads the Charge
Pakistan's captain, Shan Masood, anchored the innings with a solid 87 off 176 balls. Opener Abdullah Shafique also contributed a valuable 57, although his innings was marked by several close calls and dropped catches.
Proteas' Bowling Performance
Keshav Maharaj (2/63) and Simon Harmer (2/75) shouldered the majority of the bowling workload for South Africa, while Kagiso Rabada picked up the crucial wicket of Muhammad Rizwan late in the day with the second new ball.
However, South Africa's fielding let them down at times. Abdullah Shafique, in particular, enjoyed a stroke of luck, being dropped four times during his innings. The first drop came in the very first over when Tristan Stubbs failed to hold onto a relatively straightforward chance in the slips.
Shafique's luck continued in the sixth over when a Marco Jansen delivery grazed his off-stump without dislodging the bails. He also survived a tough return catch chance off Maharaj.
Despite these missed opportunities, South Africa will be satisfied with their overall performance on Day 1, especially considering Pakistan's decision to bat first after winning the toss. The pitch offered little assistance to the bowlers, making the Proteas' efforts to contain the scoring rate even more commendable.
The Proteas made two changes to their lineup, with Marco Jansen replacing Wiaan Mulder and Maharaj coming in for Prenelan Subrayen. The team will be aiming to capitalize on their strong finish to Day 1 and put Pakistan under pressure on Day 2.